The Boston Bruins have finalized their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season opener, and one notable name absent from the list is center Matt Poitras. The 21-year-old forward has been assigned to the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Poitras, a second-round draft pick in 2022, will head to Providence's training camp. Last season with Providence, he tallied 17 goals and 24 assists in 40 games. In 66 NHL games, Poitras has recorded six goals and 20 assists.

General Manager Don Sweeney announced the roster moves, which also included placing Jonathan Aspirot, Matej Blumel, Michael DiPietro, and Alex Steeves on waivers for assignment to Providence. These players are eligible to be claimed by another NHL team.

Poitras had a promising start to his NHL career after being drafted. He earned a spot on the Bruins' roster as a 19-year-old after impressing in the preseason. Poitras recorded his first NHL point in his debut game with an assist. He later scored his first two NHL goals in a 3-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks.

In late 2023, the Bruins loaned Poitras to Team Canada for the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he had two goals and two assists in five games.

However, Poitras's journey with the Bruins has faced some challenges. After making the opening night roster for the 2024-25 season, a lingering injury caused him to miss the first game. He was later demoted to Providence in November 2024 after playing 14 of the first 16 games.

Despite the setback, Poitras continued to develop his game in the AHL. In 23 games with Providence, he scored eight goals and added 12 assists.

Bruins coach Joe Sacco recently mentioned an injury concern with defenseman Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy and forward Mark Kastelic have been placed on injured reserve, while Hampus Lindholm has been moved to long-term injured reserve. Lindholm has been out since November 2024 but has resumed skating as part of his rehab.

These injuries have created an opportunity for other players. Defenseman Michael Callahan has been called up from Providence. Matt Poitras was also recalled but has now been sent back down to Providence. During a recent morning skate, Poitras centered a line with Oliver Wahlstrom and Trent Frederic.

The Bruins are set to begin their season on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals. Last season, the team missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years.