Jake DeBrusk and Charlie Coyle were The Hockey News picks for the mid-season Selke Trophy. The Boston Bruins have announced some awful injury news. Top rookie forward Matt Poitras had a successful right shoulder open stabilization procedure today (Feb. 7), and his expected recovery time is roughly five months, per Bruins Medical Director Dr. Peter Asnis [https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-medical-update-on-matthew-poitras]. As a result, his 2023-24 season is over. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery also had this to say about Poitras and his surgery: "Matt has been an important part of our team’s success thus far, and he will be missed. Our medical staff made the recommendation for Matt to proceed with the surgery rather than continue playing with an unstable shoulder and risking further damage. Everyone involved supported the decision as to do what was best for him at this time. Matt is just starting his Bruins career and is a key part of our future.” This is certainly a tough blow for both Poitras and the Bruins. The skilled center proved to be a great story for the team this campaign, as he shockingly made the team out of camp and cemented himself as an NHL-caliber player in the process. However, his rookie season has now come to an end far earlier than it should have. Poitras, 19, last played for the Bruins during their Jan. 25 matchup against the Ottawa Senators. While there was optimism that a return could happen in the near future, that, of course, will not be the case. Matt Poitras [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxODc0MjY0MjE3ODg4MDM0/poitrasstay.jpg] Matt Poitras In 35 games this season for Boston, Poitras had five goals, 15 points, and a plus-4 rating. All in all, it was a solid showing for the kid, and now he will look to build off it in 2024-25 from here. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpH-AkJ7U2s[/embed]
