Bruins Provide Update, Expectations Regarding Matthew Poitras

The Bruins officially kicked off the beginning of their 2024-25 campaign with a press conference from general manager Don Sweeney on the first day of training camp at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday.

After addressing the negotiations with restricted free agent goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Sweeney turned his attention to the roster and some of the players battling to make the club in Boston -- including last season's rookie standout Matthew Poitras.

The 20-year-old forward saw his first professional season come to an abrupt end when he underwent right shoulder surgery on Feb. 7. He was sidelined for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

"He is a full go. Excited to have him back," Sweeney told reporters, as seen on NESN. "He's going to play both center and wing through camp. He caught us by surprise to some degree last year, and really until the injury, was on target to stay with us."

Sweeney continued: "This year is a little different where we have some options in terms of possibly playing some games in Providence. His goal is to make the team and pick up where he left off. It might take a little bit of time for him to get reacclimated and timing-wise and such, but we have a lot of camp."

The Bruins not only have team practices but the players also hit the ice for seven preseason games and the Black and Gold game in Providence, which will consist of the whole training camp roster. Sweeney said the amount of hockey Poitras and prospects Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell will play over three weeks will help the club determine if they are ready to make the jump to the NHL.

"I think there's really ample opportunity to put them in situations to see if they are going to be ready to handle a full load in the NHL and make our team," Sweeney said.

Boston will begin its on-ice practices at 10 a.m. ET at Warrior on Thursday and will host the New York Rangers in its first preseason game on Sunday night at TD Garden. Faceoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET and you can watch the game on NESN+.