Last season, Boston Bruins prospect Matthew Poitras made a significant impact within the organization. He had an impressive training camp and performed well in preseason games, making it challenging for the team to send him back to junior hockey.
Not only did he make the roster out of camp, but he also played effectively until his season was cut short by shoulder surgery in February. Now healthy, Poitras has expressed his desire not to start the season in the AHL with the Providence Bruins. After scoring a shorthanded goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in a preseason game on Saturday night, head coach Jim Montgomery shared his thoughts on Poitras after a week and a half of training camp.
During a practice session at Warrior Ice Arena, Montgomery assessed Poitras, saying, “Good. The reason I don’t say great is that he seems a bit hesitant in some areas, which is normal after being out for eight months. But you can see him regaining his form.”
Last season, Poitras played as a center when he was in the Boston lineup, but this year the Bruins are trying him out on the wing. His versatility is valuable in the NHL, and it’s evident through the preseason that he deserves a spot on the team. While Montgomery’s comments may carry a message for Poitras, he also acknowledges that the Ontario native is gradually improving in his second pro season. It would be surprising if Poitras isn’t with the team for their season opener against Florida on October 8.
NHL scribe puts Bruins coach Jim Montgomery on hot seat with preseason prediction.
With the NHL season approaching, it’s time for predictions, particularly bold ones. One NHL writer has made a bold prediction for each team, and for the Boston Bruins, the focus is on head coach Jim Montgomery.
Entering his third season with the Bruins, Montgomery has seen success in the regular season but has struggled in the playoffs, facing elimination by the Florida Panthers in both of the last two seasons. As the 2024-25 season begins, one NHL writer suggests that Montgomery might be coaching for his future in Boston.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN predicted that this will be Montgomery’s final season with the Bruins. He noted that while GM Don Sweeney mentioned discussions about an extension for Montgomery, nothing has been finalized, raising questions about whether he will start the season without a new contract.
Wyshynski pointed out that Boston management has a history of making quick coaching changes, citing Bruce Cassidy’s dismissal shortly after being told he would return for the 2022-23 season. Cassidy went on to win the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in his first year there.
While Cassidy led Vegas to a championship, the Bruins set an NHL record for wins and points during that same regular season but were eliminated in the first round by Florida after leading the series 3-1. Last season, Boston managed to avoid another early exit by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 but was again ousted by the Panthers, who eventually won the Stanley Cup.
This offseason saw significant changes to the Bruins’ roster, with key departures and notable additions like center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov. As they aim for a third consecutive playoff appearance under Montgomery, his future may hinge on their performance this season. If they fail to make the playoffs, it could indeed be his last year in Boston.
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