The Boston Bruins could very well have found a gem with this youngster.
n the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected Matthew Poitras with the 54th overall pick. The Ajax, Ontario native showed promise in the OHL with the Guelph Storm in 2021-22, posting 21 goals and 50 points in 68 games. However, since then, he has significantly raised his value.
Following being drafted, Poitras dominated the OHL with the Storm in 2022-23, recording 16 goals, 79 assists, and 95 points in 63 games. Then, he was the Bruins' star of this past preseason and beat the odds to make the Original Six club's opening night roster. Naturally, there was much excitement about his arrival, and he ultimately did not disappoint.
Poitras showed signs of being a serviceable middle-six forward with the Bruins last season, recording five goals and 15 points in 33 games. Unfortunately, his rookie season ended in February after he had shoulder surgery.
Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51) controls the puck while New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) defends the goal during the first period at TD Garden on Dec 16, 2023.
However, while there were some bumps in Poitras' rookie campaign, it is hard not to feel excited about what the 20-year-old could become. He showed solid offensive promise at such a young age for the Bruins last season and has the potential to take another big step forward next season.
When looking at the Bruins' depth chart heading into the 2024-25 campaign, Poitras should have a spot in their top nine. However, if he starts the year hot, there is also a chance that he could be bumped up to the second line, and Charlie Coyle could move back to his familiar 3C role.
Ultimately, the Bruins may have found a gem in Poitras. Not too many second-round picks make the jump to the NHL in their teens and are immediately impactful. It will be a blast to see what kind of campaign he puts together for the Bruins next year. He could be one of their X-factors.
