Bruins’ promising 20-year-old forward close to return

Matt Poitras seems set to return to the Bruins lineup.

After lacking the tip of coaching camp and the primary two video games of the common season with an undisclosed damage, the Bruins’ 20-year-old ahead is near a return to the lineup.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery mentioned Poitras was “shut” and will play Saturday at 1 p.m. in opposition to the Kings if he responds properly after Friday’s follow.

Activating Poitras to the 23-man roster would require a roster transfer.

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Poitras practiced with the third line at middle between Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau on Friday. Frederic performed the primary two video games there at middle with Max Jones on the wing vs. Florida and Riley Tufte there in opposition to Montreal. Neither Tufte nor Jones made constructive impacts making every of them candidates to be positioned on waivers for the aim of being despatched to Windfall.

Tufte is the extra doubtless choice to be demoted as a result of Jones is extra more likely to be claimed.

Poitras hasn’t performed since Jan. 25. He had shoulder surgical procedure that ended a promising begin to his profession that started with a breakout coaching camp that made him an early fan favourite final yr. He had 5 objectives and 10 assists in 33 video games.

Poitras wasn’t eligible to be despatched to the AHL final yr. This yr the Bruins might place him in Windfall if he struggles with out placing him on waivers. However he mentioned earlier in camp that he’s dedicated to taking part in properly sufficient that the Bruins gained’t need to take into account it.

“I need to be right here,” he mentioned final month. “I would like to have the ability to present that I belong right here and so they don’t actually have a selection. They gotta maintain me right here.”

After being one of many slightest gamers final yr, Poitras used the time following surgical procedure to get stronger. He’s listed at 181 kilos and appears slightly thicker and mentioned he felt slightly stronger.

“I positively really feel stronger and to not the purpose the place I added weight and I slowed down,” he mentioned final month. “I’m the identical velocity if not a bit sooner. The additional weight may assist in these nook battle conditions.”