The Boston Bruins are bringing back a familiar face. General Manager Don Sweeney announced that forward Matt Poitras has been recalled from Providence, giving the big club a boost of youth and offensive upside as they continue to navigate the grind of the NHL season.
At just 21 years old, Poitras has been making some noise down in the AHL. Through 39 games with Providence this season, he’s put up eight goals and 16 assists-good for 24 points.
That places him tied for third on the team in assists and second in power play production, with 10 points coming on the man advantage. In short, he’s been one of Providence’s most consistent playmakers, especially when it comes to generating chances with the extra skater.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, Poitras isn’t the biggest body on the ice, but he plays with a level of poise and vision that’s well beyond his years. In 79 career games at the AHL level, he’s totaled 25 goals and 40 assists for 65 points-numbers that reflect a player who knows how to find seams in the defense and create opportunities for his teammates.
This isn’t Poitras’ first taste of NHL action, either. He’s already logged 66 games with the Bruins, tallying six goals and 20 assists. While he’s still finding his footing at the highest level, the flashes have been there-smart puck movement, a quick first step, and the kind of hockey IQ that the Bruins value in their system.
Originally drafted 54th overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Poitras came into the organization with expectations as a high-upside playmaker, and so far, he’s been trending in the right direction. With the Bruins eyeing a deep playoff push, his return could provide some fresh legs and added creativity in the middle six.
Whether he slots in right away or gets eased back into the lineup, one thing’s clear: Poitras has earned another shot. And if his AHL production is any indication, he’s ready to make the most of it.