When Matthew Poitras broke training camp on injured reserve, second-year head coach Marco Sturm made it clear that his young center was going to get a chance when he was ready to play. As it turns out, Poitras was placed in the lineup as the fourth-line center between Mark Kastelic and Tanner Jeannot.
I know that doesn't seem like an ideal situation for Poitras and Sturm, but right now, it's the best way to get him into the lineup. However, since he came into the lineup, he has been a difference-maker for that line and the bottom of the lineup. While it looks like he's turning into a key part of the future, Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic listed the 2022 second-round pick as an under-the-radar trade candidate.
"Poitras is a 22-year-old right-shot center with speed and skill. He’s started the season on the fourth line, though. He is behind Pavel Zacha, Fraser Minten and Elias Lindholm on the depth chart. Could another team see more value in Poitras as a top-three center?,'' wrote Shinzawa.
Bruins young center Matthew Poitras tabbed as under-the-radar trade candidate
It would be understandable if teams considered Poitras a top-nine center, but what would a trade for Poitras look like? It would be hard to envision general manager Don Sweeney just making a trade to make a trade for Poitras.
Instead, Poitras could be part of a deal that addresses a bigger need the Black and Gold have, either for a top-six center or a right-shot defenseman. However, given the way the season has started and the way that Poitras has played in a handful of games this season. He had a big goal that sealed a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night, two nights after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in a 6-3 win.
Poitras has replaced Sean Kuraly on the fourth line, and he just might be moving up the lineup if Pavel Zacha, who left midway through the third period of Friday night's win over Anaheim. Could he slide up to the third line if needed?
One question the Bruins also need to answer is where Poitras's future is with the organization. Fraser Minten is trending toward being a No.1 pivot, and where is James Hagens' future? The No. 2 center? The Bruins have Zacha's name floating about in trade rumors, and if they end up moving him, Poitras is going to be needed. So many questions, so few answers. However, early in the season, Poitras has proved to be a valuable piece of the Black and Gold's lineup.
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