Bruins’ Poitras Has Earned NHL Roster Spot Despite Injury – The Hockey Writers –

Despite a recent injury described as day-to-day, Matt Poitras has likely shown enough this preseason to earn a spot on the Bruins’ NHL roster. While it may seem like this should have been a foregone conclusion given Poitras’ play last season, there was still some speculation that he might need additional seasoning in the AHL with the Providence Bruins—especially to ease his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Poitras, however, has once again looked undeniable this preseason, and it appears inevitable that he’s locked up a roster spot, even if his status for the season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers remains uncertain.

A Promising Start Despite Adversity

Before his injury, Poitras was making a compelling case for a roster spot. Coming off shoulder surgery in February, he didn’t miss a beat during the preseason, once again showing the high-level play that convinced the Bruins’ coaching staff he was ready to contribute at the NHL level just one year ago. His ability to seamlessly transition into the lineup—taking shifts on the wing despite being a natural center—highlighted his versatility and skill. His willingness to battle in the dirty areas of the ice and his effectiveness in winning puck battles were impossible to ignore. He even demonstrated some aptitude as a penalty-killer, further adding to his case.

In three preseason games, Poitras tallied a goal and registered five shots on net. His offensive instincts, combined with his mature approach to defense, made him stand out as a player beyond his years. Notably last Sunday, head coach Jim Montgomery described Poitras’ game as “good,” though not yet “great,” attributing any hesitancy to his long recovery period. Nevertheless, it was clear that Poitras’ performance was improving as the preseason progressed.

The Injury Setback

Poitras’ momentum hit a snag when he took a heavy hit from Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen late in a preseason game. Since then, he has been sidelined, with Montgomery describing him as “day-to-day” with an undisclosed injury. While the Bruins are hopeful he can return soon, his absence from practice raises concerns about his availability for the season…