ANAHEIM, Calif. — Matt Poitras, the 22-year-old center for the Boston Bruins, is adapting to a new role amid elevated expectations as the NHL season gets underway. Following a morning skate at the Honda Center on Friday, Poitras reflected on his evolving position within the team and the challenges he has faced in securing a spot on the roster.
Poitras, a second-round draft pick in 2023, made a strong impression as an 18-year-old at Bruins training camp but experienced setbacks during his rookie season due to a lingering shoulder injury that required surgery. He subsequently spent much of his time in the American Hockey League with Providence, focusing on building strength and gaining experience. Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent, Poitras’ contract situation remained uncertain until he signed just before training camp, leaving him with limited time to prove himself amid fierce competition for roster spots.
“It was not easy, just having the whole summer go by and signing so late,” Poitras said. “I just wanted to come in and try and earn a spot.” Shortly after camp began, a minor lower-body injury sidelined him temporarily, limiting his participation in the shortened preseason schedule. Despite missing most preseason games, he was able to return in time for the regular season and earn a place on the Bruins’ active roster.
Due to his age and salary, attempting to send Poitras back to Providence would have placed him on waivers, where he was likely to be claimed by another team, underscoring his value to Boston. On the ice, Poitras has transitioned into a fourth-line center role, positioned between wingers Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic. While he is known for his offensive capabilities—registering 79 assists and 95 points in his final Ontario Hockey League season—he is now focusing on a more defensive and supporting role.
“Jeano and Kasty are super easy to play with, super easy to read off, and they play really hard,” Poitras noted. “I don’t have to be as aggressive because those guys are always on the forecheck.” Through four games, Poitras has tallied two goals and three points, emphasizing that he is concentrating on playing a detailed, responsible game rather than generating consistent offense.
The competition for roster spots is intense, as Poitras replaced Sean Kuraly on the fourth line. However, he described the dynamic within the team as positive, with no personal conflicts arising from lineup changes. “The NHL is a competitive league, and everybody’s trying to move themselves up,” he said. “So, it’s nothing ever personal. I think we have a pretty close team, and everybody’s been great.”
Meanwhile, goaltender Michael DiPietro started in goal for the Bruins against the Anaheim Ducks. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm recently celebrated his 50th career win with the team, expressing satisfaction with the group’s progress. After Friday’s game, the Bruins traveled north to Los Angeles to prepare for Saturday’s matchup against the Kings.