Matthew Poitras

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    Image of Player Matthew Poitras

    Matthew Poitras Bio

    Matthew Poitras is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who currently plays for the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 180 cm and weighing 78 kg, he was selected by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft after a productive junior career with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Known for his offensive instincts and playmaking ability, Poitras has quickly progressed through the Bruins organization and is regarded as one of the promising young forwards in the system.

    Early Life and Background

    Matthew Poitras was born on March 10, 2004, in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a sports-oriented household as the second of three children born to Phil and Tricia Poitras. His older brother, Adam, pursued lacrosse and was selected second overall by the Las Vegas Desert Dogs in the 2023 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, while his younger sister, Abby, is committed to play hockey at Merrimack College. The family’s strong athletic background helped shape Matthew’s early interest in competitive sports.

    Poitras began developing his hockey skills in the Ajax area before advancing through minor hockey ranks in Ontario. His combination of speed, vision, and scoring touch quickly made him a standout prospect. He was recognized for his hockey sense and offensive creativity, traits that would later define his progression through the junior ranks.

    Path to Hockey

    Poitras was drafted by the Guelph Storm 12th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, marking the beginning of his major junior career. His first season with the team was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed his introduction to the OHL stage. When play resumed, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive players.

    During the 2022–23 season, Poitras ended the regular season tied for fifth in total league scoring with 95 points. He was named OHL Player of the Week on November 21, 2022, after a stretch of dominant offensive performances. His impressive production caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 54th overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins.

    Matthew Poitras Career

    Early Career (2020–2023)

    Poitras spent three seasons in the Guelph Storm organization, using the cancellation of his first year to further develop his game. After the pandemic pause, he became a focal point of the Storm’s offense, producing at an elite rate and serving as a top-line centre. His ability to generate offence and create plays for teammates quickly became his trademark.

    Following the conclusion of his junior career, the Providence Bruins announced on April 14, 2023, that they had signed Poitras to an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the 2022–23 season. Although he did not appear in any games during that stint, the Boston Bruins announced on May 5, 2023, that they had signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract, officially launching his professional career.

    NHL Breakthrough (2023–2024)

    Poitras impressed during his first NHL preseason with the Bruins and earned a roster spot as a 19-year-old. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, in his debut game, setting the tone for what would become a memorable rookie campaign. On October 22, 2023, he scored his first and second NHL goals in a 3–1 win against the Anaheim Ducks, announcing his arrival at the highest level.

    On October 31, 2023, the Bruins announced that Poitras would remain on the NHL roster rather than be returned to the OHL, burning the first year of his entry-level contract. The Bruins loaned him to Team Canada for the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he registered two goals and two assists in five games as Canada finished fifth overall. After returning to the NHL lineup on January 6, 2024, he suffered a shoulder injury on January 9, 2024, against the Arizona Coyotes, and ultimately underwent shoulder surgery on February 7, ending his rookie season. He finished the year with five goals and 15 total points in 33 games.

    Providence Bruins Era (2024–Present)

    Poitras made the Bruins’ opening night roster to start the 2024–25 season but was scratched due to a lingering injury. After playing in 14 of the team’s first 16 games, he was assigned to the Providence Bruins on November 11, 2024, marking his first professional action in the AHL. He responded with strong offensive play, recording eight goals and 12 assists in 23 games between November 15, 2024, and January 11, 2025, including a goal in seven consecutive games in early December.

    Following injuries within the NHL lineup, the Bruins recalled Poitras on January 14, 2025. He recorded an assist in his first game back but struggled to produce offensively and was reassigned to Providence on March 10, 2025, without scoring a goal during his recall. He remained with Providence through the end of the season, finishing tied for second on the team in goals with 17. In the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs, he scored two goals in a decisive Game 3 against the Springfield Thunderbirds to help the Bruins clinch the opening-round series, though Providence was eliminated in the next round by the Charlotte Checkers. He was assigned to Providence to begin the 2025–26 season.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    Poitras is recognized for his high hockey IQ, smooth skating, and ability to create scoring chances through precise passing and a reliable shot. His offensive creativity allows him to thrive in transition and on the power play, while his competitiveness and willingness to play in all situations have earned the trust of coaches. His knack for goal-scoring streaks, including a seven-game run in the AHL, underscores his consistency and confidence with the puck.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Some of the defining moments of Poitras’ young career include his first two NHL goals against the Anaheim Ducks on October 22, 2023, and his record-setting seven-game goal-scoring streak in December 2024 with the Providence Bruins. His two-goal performance in a decisive Calder Cup playoff game against the Springfield Thunderbirds further highlighted his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer.

    Matthew Poitras Career Wins

    Although Matthew Poitras’ professional career is still in its early stages, he has accumulated notable individual achievements and milestones across the OHL, NHL, and AHL. His combination of regular-season production and key playoff contributions has established him as a reliable offensive contributor within the Boston Bruins organization.

    OHL and Professional Highlights

    During his time with the Guelph Storm, Poitras tied for fifth in OHL scoring with 95 points in 2022–23 and earned OHL Player of the Week honours on November 21, 2022. In the NHL, his first two goals against the Anaheim Ducks in October 2023 marked a major milestone, and in the AHL, his seven-game goal-scoring streak in December 2024 highlighted his offensive consistency. In the 2025 Calder Cup playoffs, his two-goal effort in Game 3 against the Springfield Thunderbirds helped Providence advance in the postseason.

    Other Performances

    Poitras represented Canada at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he contributed two goals and two assists in five games. His performance on the international stage demonstrated his ability to compete against top young players from around the world, further validating his standing as a top prospect in the Boston Bruins system.

    Matthew Poitras Family

    Family Background and Hockey Lineage

    Matthew Poitras comes from an athletic family rooted in Ajax, Ontario. He is the son of Phil and Tricia Poitras, and his older brother, Adam, is a lacrosse player who was selected second overall by the Las Vegas Desert Dogs in the 2023 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. His younger sister, Abby, is committed to play hockey at Merrimack College, continuing the family’s tradition in competitive sports.

    Personal Life

    Poitras remains focused on his professional hockey career, and details about his personal relationships are not publicly available. He continues to reside within the Boston Bruins organization, splitting time between the NHL club and its AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, as he works toward establishing himself as a full-time NHL player.

    2025 Season Performance

    Matthew Poitras began the 2025–26 season assigned to the Providence Bruins, where he is expected to serve as a key offensive contributor. Following a 2024–25 AHL campaign in which he finished tied for second on the team in goals with 17, he enters the new season with strong momentum and increased confidence. His playoff experience, including his two-goal performance in the 2025 Calder Cup postseason, has provided valuable preparation for the rigors of a full professional season.

    While the Boston Bruins continue to evaluate his NHL readiness, Poitras’ continued development in Providence positions him as a potential mid-season call-up candidate should injuries or lineup changes arise. His ability to produce offensively and maintain consistency will be critical factors in determining when he returns to the NHL roster on a permanent basis.

    With a strong offseason of work behind him and a growing resume of professional accomplishments, Poitras’ outlook for the 2025–26 season remains promising. His progression from promising junior star to emerging professional prospect reflects both his individual talent and the depth of the Boston Bruins’ development system.