Bruins Explore Trade for Young Center Poitras as Canucks Seek Roster Upgrades

Boston evaluating options for 21-year-old forward as Vancouver looks to add young center depth

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly exploring a potential trade for Boston Bruins forward Matthew Poitras, a 21-year-old center who made the Bruins roster out of training camp as a teenager. The Canucks are looking to improve their depth at center, while the Bruins are evaluating their roster plans and may look to "monetize" Poitras if he doesn't cement a regular NHL role.

Why it matters

This potential trade would allow the Canucks to add a young, experienced center to their lineup as they look to improve their roster and get younger. For the Bruins, moving Poitras could allow them to address other areas of need on their team as they assess their long-term depth at the center position.

The details

Poitras, a 2004-born forward from Ontario, has shown promise as a two-way center with good puck movement and decision-making. He is currently averaging around 12 minutes of ice time per game for the Bruins and has scored one goal in three NHL games this season. Poitras is in the second year of a three-year, $2.61 million contract and will become a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.

  • Poitras was recalled by the Bruins on January 29, 2026.
  • The Canucks entered the Olympic break looking to address roster needs.

The players

Matthew Poitras

A 21-year-old center for the Boston Bruins who made the team's roster out of training camp as a teenager and is now being evaluated as a potential trade target for the Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver Canucks

An NHL team looking to improve their depth at center and get younger as they assess their roster needs heading into the second half of the season.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team evaluating their roster plans, including the future role of young center Matthew Poitras, as they consider potential trades to address other areas of need.

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What they’re saying

“Poitras 'stunned the hockey world when he made the Bruins out of training camp as a teenager.'”

— Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal, Insiders (The Athletic)

“Poitras 'hasn't taken that next step to cement himself as an NHL regular,' which could affect how Boston views his future role.”

— Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal, Insiders (The Athletic)

“Poitras is 'certainly the type of player that the Canucks could sorely use at the NHL level' if a deal becomes possible.”

— Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal, Insiders (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Canucks and Bruins will continue to evaluate their roster needs and the potential value of a trade involving Poitras in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the ongoing roster management challenges faced by NHL teams as they balance current needs with long-term planning. The Canucks' interest in Poitras reflects their desire to add young, experienced center depth, while the Bruins' willingness to consider moving the 21-year-old suggests they are closely evaluating their options to improve their overall roster.