Matthew Poitras Trade Rumors: What's Next for the 19-Year-Old Center in Boston

2024-01-31 16:12:23

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have, on my bingo card for the 2023-2024 season, seeing Matthew Poitras start the season at 19 in Boston.

Obviously, when a club loses its first two centers during the summer and does not have the necessary space under the cap to replace them, it helps to understand why it made its place.

In 33 games, he has five goals and 10 assists. It’s not bad for a guy who, objectively, would have benefited from returning to junior.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

Obviously, the Bruins have a good player on their hands. He hasn’t exploded yet, but he has increased his market value by proving he can hold his own in the NHL at 19 years old.

But one wonders if his future is in Boston.

After all, if the Bruins were able to get help for the end of the season, could young Poitras be sacrificed in order to get the help they want? This cannot be ruled out, obviously.

After all, Poitras is good, but the Bruins don’t have a huge bank of prospects. They also don’t have a pick until the fourth round in 2024, which cuts off their options.

This is why Poitras becomes an option. And that’s not me saying it.

First, certain journalists from The Athletic (Julian McKenzie and Corey Pronman) raised the possibility of seeing the Flames get their hands on Poitras, Trent Frederic and a first pick in 2025 in return for Elias Lindholm.

If the Flames are going to trade Elias Lindholm, they would need some high draft picks and prospects, and/or a young player in return.@jkamckenzie and @coreypronman evaluate potential trade packages from Boston, Winnipeg and more ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/F7bPbVmVfI

— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) January 29, 2024

The Bruins won’t like to part with Poitras because of his success at 19 in the NHL, but he is one of their few desirable young players. –Corey Pronman

Then, closer to home, Jonathan Bernier (Journal de Montréal) raised the possibility of seeing Sean Monahan heading to Boston in return for the services of the young Ontario center.

So it’s been twice recently that his name has come up.

A first-round pick for Sean Monahan: here’s why it’s possible (@JBernierJDM)

— Le Journal de Montréal (@JdeMontreal) January 31, 2024

In Boston, it’s a little thin in terms of draft picks, but youngster Matthew Poitras could do the trick. – Jonathan Bernier

Does this definitely mean Poitras will be traded? No. But what we observe is that the Bruins’ need is clearly at the center with a view to the end of the season.

Ah unless Patrice Bergeron comes back – ah and let it happen.

Despite the rumors, Patrice Bergeron greatly appreciates his retirement.https://t.co/3zIXq4vldS#NoovoInfo #sport #hockey

— Noovo Info (@NoovoInfo) January 22, 2024

If trading Poitras is necessary, we can think that the Bruins will consider it. And if they think about it, we have to think that Kent Hughes will have to stick his nose in the file.

Am I saying that the CH must do everything to get him? Not necessarily, no. It depends on how the Canadian evaluates the youngster and his potential.

But if Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton and the club’s recruiters see Poitras as a potential top-6 player… we will have to think about it seriously.

Obviously, Boston could also refuse to send Monahan to the division. The Canadiens’ senior management, despite its ties to the city of Boston, may also not want to help the Rangers Bruins.

But you also have to understand that other than Lindholm, Monahan is the best option available. If the Bruins want to take advantage of their window of opportunity, perhaps Monahan, whose name is being thrown around a lot these days, is the most logical option.

After all, Lindholm has a cap hit of $4.85 million. Even with salary retention, who have a projected cap space of just over $60,000, could have a hard time acquiring it.

As for the Canadian, getting Poitras, potentially keeping 50% of Monahan’s $1,985 million salary and (we’re pushing here) taking a guy at the end of his contract could greatly help the Bruins.

Obviously, we’re not there yet, but we’re talking…

The Canadian could therefore have Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Owen Beck and Matthew Poitras among his options at center for the medium-term future. And personally, I love seeing a center play on the wing, where CH lacks talent, according to the Snake.

Imagine Owen Beck and Matthew Poitras fighting for their place in the sun. Wouldn’t that bring out the best in them?

A lot of

– Hard blow.

Striker Philippe Maillet (ill) will not participate in tonight’s match.

Forward Philippe Maillet (sick) will not play tonight.

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) January 31, 2024

– The Canucks extend the contract of their GM.