The promising rookie season of Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras is over.
The 19-year-old forward will miss five months following surgery on his right shoulder, the team said on Wednesday.
“Matt has played a significant role in our team’s achievements so far, and we will miss him,” general manager of the Boston Bruins Don Sweeney stated in a statement.
“Matt should have the operation rather than play with an unstable shoulder and risk more damage, according to our medical staff’s suggestion. Everyone concerned agreed that it was the right thing for him to do at this particular moment. Matt is merely s
Poitras earned a spot on the Opening Night roster with his outstanding play during the preseason and training camp. It was a pleasant surprise for the Bruins when he made the team upon arriving at camp, as he was not anticipated to.
Poitras finished with 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 33 games played. In order to represent Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championship in Sweden, he departed the Bruins around the end of December. After the competition, he returned to the Bruins and participated in six games. Jan. 25 against the Ottawa Senators was his last game.
Poitras was a significant middle-six forward for the Bruins because of his scoring prowess, ability to make plays, hockey IQ, and ability to win puck battles in difficult areas of the ice.
It’s reasonable to ask how this setback will affect the Bruins’ plans in the run-up to the trade deadline on March 8. Even before the deadline, one of their most pressing needs was a middle-six forward. With Poitras out for the season, it’s suddenly even bigger.