Boston Bruins' Matthew Poitras Ready for Second Line Winger Role – Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

Training camp is in full swing and it's almost time to go for the 2024-25 NHL season. Teams get a glimpse of what's coming their way and what NHL regulars look like. From position battles to teams starting to gear up, this is a great season for hockey.

The Boston Bruins have their team a lock to make the roster. However, there will be battles for positions in training camp for recruiting and scouting. One of them is the second line position of the right wing and it is likely to go to a young player. There are two young guys who are going to check out this place and the one who sounds like it is Matthew Poitras.

Poitras Will Get the Look of a Vacant Place

The consensus was that winger Fabian Lysell would be key in the second row right-back position. Lysell is a fast player and has the offensive tools to be successful and productive. His last two seasons with the Providence Bruins gave hope that he could graduate to the NHL level.

Related: 3 Takeaways From Bruins Training Camp Press Conference

Lysell had 29 goals and 58 assists for 87 points. The time has come for him to take advantage of this opportunity. Lysell didn't stand out much in the first preseason game against the New York Rangers. He had one shot and zero in 14:56 of ice time. It's one game, so it's not a time to overreact, but you want to see a better effort and a man heading into that open spot. He is not alone.

Fluto Shinzawa from Athletic reported that Poitras will join Lysell in running for the spot vacated by Jake DeBrusk. Poitras was a regular for the Bruins last season, which gave him a chance to compete in the void.

Poitras' Experience Plays a Factor

Poitras already has experience playing with the Bruins. He entered training camp for the 2023-24 season and gave the coaching staff every reason to say yes to making the opening night plan. Of course there were rookie pains, but Poitras was a big impact player. When he was on the ice, good things happened and his presence was missed when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Overall, Poitras finished with five goals and 15 points in 33 games and was a complete player. He could be a weapon this season.

Turn the page to the 2024-25 season and Poitras, a small player last season, has added size to his frame. He feels good and indicated that the extra weight should help him when he gets into the corners to dig for pucks.

The experience goes beyond just playing for the Bruins and having NHL experience. Poitras played in the middle last season. Besides production, another area where he lacked was his ability to win faceoffs. It was an area where the Bruins were poor during the playoffs, but Poitras finished the season with a 43.7% success rate on faceoffs. He has been eyed for the fullback position, which Poitras feels comfortable in. He touched on the preparation and ability to play the role of:

“I have played wing before. I am comfortable there. Obviously, skating is a bit smaller than average. So maybe I'll reserve more energy to play rough. I like to catch pucks down and have more power for that. But I'm ready to play anywhere, whether it's a midfielder or a defender. Wherever I fit in is better.”

Poitras is a hungry and driven player and will do whatever is asked of him. You bleed black and gold, you want to make the team, and you'll do what it takes to do so. That being said, he is a worthy candidate for the position and would be a good fit down the line.

Poitras Fits the Second Line Perfectly

Many wondered if Poitras would start the season with the Providence Bruins. However, giving him a look at what is the biggest question mark going into the 2024-25 season says he shouldn't. Poitras would be a good fit on the second line given the way he plays.

Poitras plays with speed and is creative when creating chances. He has shown the ability to find open ice and the ability to put the puck in the net. Given that, he could match up with captain Brad Marchand and center Charlie Coyle, who holds the second line.

Coyle is coming off his breakout season with 25 goals and 60 points. Marchand had a season with 67 points and the two were working well together. Coyle is a great puck protector and a responsible two-way center. He works well in high-danger areas and his willingness to go to puck battles can help create open ice for a player like Poitras. Marchand is the same and that's not to mention his ability to create plays and be a part of the score sheet.

Playing with two established veterans could do wonders for Poitras. Also, Poitras knowing the system already and showing that he can be an NHL regular makes him a smart choice to play the second line wing position. The Bruins lost a great player in DeBrusk, who scored 20 goals over the past two-three seasons. The Bruins need that extra layer of scoring behind David Pastrnak, especially when it comes to the postseason. If Poitras can bring similar production and fill that role, the Bruins will be in much better shape heading into the season.

The Battle of the View

This position battle will be interesting to see. It's good that Poitras gets a chance to enter his second season. Lysell will have every opportunity to take over the role, but for the Bruins to give Poitras a shot shows faith in the player. Centers can often play wing these days and Poitras winning that battle and filling DeBrusk's void would be huge for the Bruins heading into the 2024-25 season.