With training camp less than a month away, the tranquil nature of the Boston Bruins’ summer season will begin to transform into the business of playing hockey. While most teams have pretty much locked up their rosters ahead of camp, there might still be time for one last summer trade before kicking off the preseason.
For the Bruins, that could mean seeing Matthew Poitras find a new home. The 22-year-old remains unsigned and doesn’t seem to have a deal in place anytime soon. There hasn’t been really much movement on that front, suggesting that there could be a considerable gap between Poitras’ camp and the Bruins.
So, could that mean that there might be a trade on the horizon?
It’s possible. Poitras’ name has been in trade rumors for a long time. Even before last season’s trade deadline, there was plenty of talk about Poitras being part of a Bruins deal. But nothing has happened thus far.
As such, time is running out for both sides to figure out what to do. If Poitras really isn’t in the Bruins’ plans, the organization should find a take for him. Sure, it would be unfortunate to see another promising prospect head out the door. But if the organization doesn’t see a future for him, it’s best to do something about it soon.
Bruins may be trying to avoid Lysell situation
Earlier this summer, the Bruins faced a similar situation with another former prospect, Fabian Lysell. Lysell was a first-round pick that just didn’t work out. The Bruins didn’t really give him much of a chance, ultimately deciding to trade him to the Colorado Avalanche.
The move justifiably sparked backlash from fans. Fans were upset about losing a former first-round pick for a fringe AHL player. Perhaps that’s what the Bruins are trying to avoid this time around. Don Sweeney is looking to sidestep the negative press that could come from jettisoning another solid prospect.
If that’s the case, finding a worthwhile trade may be easier said than done.
Boston should still give Poitras one last chance
The bottom line is that the Bruins should give Poitras one last chance. Signing him to a one-year deal would be the best path forward. If there really isn’t a trade out there that would justify the move, the best thing the organization could do is find a way to see if there really is something there with Poitras.
Otherwise, letting him languish in the AHL wouldn’t really be the best path forward. The Bruins need as many forwards with top-six upside. That’s why Poitras deserves a longer look. The organization can’t afford to let any more prospects fall through the cracks. Finding young players with a strong upside is hard in today’s NHL.
Let’s see if there is still a late-summer deal in the works. The Bruins could use another scoring forward, preferably a middle-six center. Short of landing a number-one center, finding another forward who could contribute immediately is something Boston has to keep an eye out for.
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