( Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps / AP Photo )

By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44

This afternoon, the Boston Bruins announced that they have assigned forward Matt Poitras to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins. The move comes as Boston embarks on a two-game road trip that kicks off tomorrow night in St. Louis, Missouri and finishes on thursday night in Dallas, Texas.

A native of Ajax, Ontario, Poitras has appeared in 14 games for the Bruins this season, registering a goal and three assists. He was selected 54th overall in the 2022 National Hockey League Entry Draft, and is yet to appear in an AHL game.

It’s possible that this is merely a “paper transaction”, and Poitras will be back up with the big club soon. Providence’s next game is not until friday night against the Cleveland Monsters, and the Bruins have yet to name a recall from Providence, with the team currently having 12 forwards on the NHL roster.

However, if Poitras does spend some time in the AHL, it could benefit the young forward. While top six minutes have been difficult for Poitras to find under Boston Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery, things could be different in Providence. Poitras could earn top line minutes and potentially first unit power play reps with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate. Last season saw players such as Johnny Beecher, Justin Brazeau, and Mason Lohrei spend time in Providence, before finding their way to the NHL. Perhaps Poitras can do the same.