Bruins Aren’t Protecting Matthew Poitras, But They Certainly Can

BOSTON — The Bruins are pleased with what they’ve gotten out of forward Matthew Poitras to this point, but they aren’t wrong to expect a little bit more.

Poitras only made 33 total appearances during his rookie season in 2023-24, but across a few inconsistent stretches of playing time, he was able to display a knack for playmaking and an ability to control the puck. Boston can work with that and clearly thinks he can be a contributor moving forward on a playoff-contending team.

The B’s just have to keep him healthy.

Poitras suffered a season-ending shoulder injury midway through his rookie campaign, and was expected to make early contributions during his sophomore season before an undisclosed injury kept him out to start. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery re-inserted him into the lineup Saturday, plugging him onto the third line between Trent Frederic (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) and Justin Brazeau (6-foot-5, 220 pounds).

Coincidence?

“It doesn’t matter — any guy I put beside him, besides (Brad Marchand), would be a big guy on our team now. It’s the way we’re built,” Montgomery told reporters Saturday. “It’s not the reason he’s playing with those two, it’s not a size thing. It’s just really where we think the chemistry fits best to start.”

Poitras (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) isn’t the biggest guy in the world, so, despite an unintentional placement between two behemoths, it certainly can’t hurt having someone else focus on getting into the dirty areas. The Bruins want him making plays, not stuck in corners.

It’s not like he was out for long, but those undisclosed injuries that keep guys out for a few games at a time really start to add up. Boston ensured the 20-year-old was ready to return by following the same process it has for the majority of recent seasons.

“It’s the same thing with all of our injuries,” Montgomery said. “It’s getting back, getting healthy, getting fit, getting reps, getting contact and being ready to play.”

Poitras is back, now it’s time for him to prove he can stay.