Bruins Remain Committed to Young Center Matt Poitras

GM Don Sweeney says Bruins still believe in 21-year-old despite logjam at center

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Despite being passed on the depth chart and facing an uncertain future with the Boston Bruins, 21-year-old center Matt Poitras still has the confidence of the organization, according to GM Don Sweeney. Poitras has been productive in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, and Sweeney praised his recent NHL stint, saying the young pivot "came in and played in the [Stadium Series], scored a hell of a goal, went in and played against a really good team, handled his own against the Florida team, and [brought] competitiveness."

Why it matters

Poitras' situation highlights the challenges young prospects can face in cracking a deep NHL roster, as he's been passed by other center prospects like Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov. However, the Bruins appear committed to Poitras' development, even as trade rumors swirl around him ahead of the deadline.

The details

Poitras, a 2023-24 NHL-or-juniors player, has spent the last two seasons in the AHL with Providence, where he's been productive with 27 goals and 72 points in 89 games. In his latest NHL stint, he scored a goal on 8 shots and was a plus-1 with 2 blocks in a third-line center role. Despite the logjam at center, Sweeney says the Bruins "are not disappointed in Matty" and are "still excited about where Matt Poitras is in his development."

  • Poitras broke into the NHL during the 2023-24 season.
  • Poitras has spent the last two seasons in the AHL with Providence.

The players

Matt Poitras

A 21-year-old center prospect in the Boston Bruins organization, currently playing for their AHL affiliate in Providence.

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins.

Fraser Minten

A center prospect who has passed Poitras on the Bruins' depth chart.

Marat Khusnutdinov

A center prospect who has also passed Poitras on the Bruins' depth chart.

James Hagens

A center prospect who is expected to turn pro later this year, further complicating Poitras' path to the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“He's just continuing to round out at a very young age, and he's responding. It's great to see him continue to round out to be more of a complete player and understand that, managing the puck, managing your shift length, understanding where space is, and staying healthy.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager (985thesportshub.com)

“Matty came in and played in the [Stadium Series], scored a hell of a goal, went in and played against a really good team, handled his own against the Florida team, and [brought] competitiveness.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager (985thesportshub.com)

“We're not disappointed in Matty. He's really taken to heart to try and lead a Providence team and help lead a Providence team that's had a hell of a season. He's been a big part of that. So we're still excited about where Matt Poitras is in his development, and he's already proven he can come up and play immediately [and] be inserted into a lineup.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager (985thesportshub.com)

The takeaway

Despite the logjam at center and trade rumors surrounding Poitras, the Bruins remain committed to the young prospect's development. Sweeney's comments suggest the organization still believes in Poitras' potential to become a regular NHL contributor, even as he faces challenges cracking the deep Bruins roster.