The Boston Bruins play in their first preseason game in just 30 days. With that, training camp is going to open in just about two weeks, as the Bruins get set to try and build off their 100-point 2025-26 regular season.
The vast majority of the offseason is over. The Bruins traded two first-round picks for JJ Peterka. They brought in two new right-shot defensemen in Connor Clifton and Will Borgen.
However, one notable piece of business remains completely unsettled.
Matthew Poitras remains unsigned and is a restricted free agent.
Poitras, 22, was a second-round pick for the Bruins in the 2022 NHL Draft. Over the last three seasons, he raised his stock big time, then has plateaued in the last 18 months and change.
Poitras has 69 NHL games under his belt, and played just three games in the NHL this past year, scoring one goal.
In his previous 66 NHL games, Poitras has six goals and 26 points, a promising start for the young forward.
Fraser Minten and James Hagens both have surpassed Poitras in the organizational depth chart for centers, leading to persistent questions surrounding his Bruins future, especially after he's been tagged in trade rumors.
That's led to discussion about his ability to play on the wing, something he's capable of doing. Hagens is also a candidate to play on the wing, but is viewed as a better fit at center.
As for the current contractual stalemate, any long-term deal is off the table, and any deal is likely to be a one-year, prove-it deal, which feels like something that could've been done by now.
However, there's a big risk to consider. Poitras is waiver-eligible beginning this season. He's either going to make the NHL roster outright, or he will be lost on waivers to any of the other 31 NHL teams.
It's a distinct possibility the Bruins could still trade him, but at this point in the summer, his value may never be lower as an asset, so it's tough to sell off there.
It's an incredibly tough call. Including Poitras on the roster either forces the team to waive both Mikey Eyssimont and Alex Steeves, or just one of those players while cutting Hagens and having him start in Providence.
None of the options are overwhelmingly appetizing, as the Bruins really like what both Eyssimont and Steeves bring.
Similarly, the Bruins could not be more thrilled with the potential Hagens possesses. Meanwhile, they don't just want to give up on Poitras.
The Bruins still have time. But make no mistake, the clock is ticking. It's going to become a bigger story the closer training camp gets to opening.
