![Feb 4, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; ]Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51) moves the puck against Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_1447,y_468,w_1628,h_915/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/74/01m35zg52pssx49gx4wr.jpg "Feb 4, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; ]Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras (51) moves the puck against Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images")
The Boston Bruins could end up losing a once-promising prospect for nothing. That prospect is Matthew Poitras, and it would be a shame if he left the organization for nada.
The organization faces a tough decision. The former second-round pick is hardly a lock to make the team. And if the choice is to send him down to the AHL, he’ll have to clear waivers. Given the way things are shaping up, it’s hard to envision Poitras clearing.
There could be any number of teams willing to give the 22-year-old a shot at the NHL. Rebuilding teams, for example, could easily find a lineup spot for him. Considering that he’s signed to a one-year deal, the downside risk isn’t really all that high.
But beyond losing Poitras for nothing, the broader question should focus on how the Bruins have managed some of their prospects. The biggest example is Fabian Lysell. Lysell was also a once-promising prospect, but somehow didn’t get a fair shake. Boston ended up declining a Qualifying Offer for him this offseason, and, well, the Colorado Avalanche stepped in and signed him.
Now, Lysell isn’t earmarked to make the Avalanche this season. He’ll likely start the season in the AHL. Nevertheless, it’s fair to ask just why the Bruins are losing former high-end prospects.
Is it a question of failing to develop prospects effectively?
Is it an inability to identify draft picks correctly?
Or is it a question of some prospects falling through the cracks?
Whatever the case, the Bruins cannot afford to let Poitras walk away, especially on waivers. The club has to give the once-top prospect a real shot at the NHL.
Bruins can’t afford not to give Poitras a real shot
Poitras has played all of 69 NHL games. That’s not a really substantial sample size. You would think that the organization should give him a longer look.
With that in mind, Poitras has to make the team this season. He should start the year with the club and see where he goes.
If he can’t really prove he’s a solid NHLer, well, sending him down to the AHL might be the only choice. And if he doesn’t clear waivers, the organization can’t say that it didn’t give him a real opportunity to establish himself in the NHL.
Who knows? There might even be a chance to trade him to a team needing depth. Injuries can quickly change things for teams. And that may create an opening for the Bruins to make a deal happen.
That scenario seems a little out there. But at the end of the day, there may just be a chance that the Bruins can salvage Poitras, either by keeping him in the NHL or potentially trading him for something.
The worst thing that can happen is seeing a young player filled with potential walk away for nothing. The risk of seeing him blossom with another organization just isn’t worth it.
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