There has been much discussion over the Boston Bruins’ decision to loan Matthew Poitras to Canada for the 2024 World Junior Championship.
On the one hand, Poitras was a crucial part of the Bruins’ triumph, and they will surely miss him. On the other hand, Poitras’s chance to assume important positions and honorably represent his nation abroad offers an exciting opportunity for the player and the Bruins alike.
This is the 19-year-old center’s lifelong dream come true and a goal crossed off his bucket list. Significantly, because of age limitations, this was Poitras’ only chance to possibly compete in the World Juniors, and it seems like the team and he decided on this together.
All summer long, this was what was on the back of my mind. Regarding his goals for 2023–24, Poitras remarked, “I was in the gym working, working hard. “Go to Guelph [in the OHL], get off to a strong start, and hopefully I’ll get a chance to represent my nation in sports. Even though things didn’t quite go that way, I still got to go. I’m ecstatic.
Although Poitras’ first goal was to join the Bruins, he was realistic about the difficulties of making an NHL roster just a year after being picked.
Still, it’s clear from his stellar training camp, preseason, and rookie season that he belongs in the NHL. In spite of this, Poitras was thrilled to have the chance to represent Canada in the World Junior Championship, as it seemed more realistic this year.
Poitras told reporters on Monday, “Obviously you never want to leave the NHL, but I’m excited to get over there and play for my country.” “I promise never to gripe about that. It is indeed a dream realized.
Poitras is doing well already with Team Canada.
This gives the Bruins a chance to give Poitras more playing time and confidence for a club that is anticipated to be very competitive in the tournament. This season, Poitras and Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery have been in close communication, discussing subtleties and reaching choices that are consistent with the NHL style of play. Poitras will have a little more flexibility on the ice at the World Juniors, but he will still be committed to using his knowledge from coaching in the NHL to advance and grow.
Poitras is having a big World Juniors influence. He scored a goal in a pre-competition match against Switzerland with help from Poitras’s teammate and younger brother of Morgan Geekie, Conor Geekie. With a humorous flourish, this was Poitras’ first goal in an NHL uniform. Morgan assisted on his first goal this season, demonstrating the evident bond between the brothers and Poitras.
In Canada’s exhibition match against the United States, Poitras did not register a point, but his dominance throughout every shift was undeniable.
It’s vital to keep in mind his excellent play at the NHL level before to the loan, even though it’s fair to note that he is competing against peers his own age at the Junior level. Instead of being the consequence of poor performance, Poitras’ loan was extended to enable him to fulfill a lifelong ambition and gain some confidence in front of a global audience, top-tier players, and large stakes.
The Bruins have had trouble lately; they no longer resemble the squad that began the NHL season as suddenly and astonishingly undefeated. The squad could benefit from Poitras’s return with more confidence, but the Bruins also need to look into other methods to get better.
The Bruins need to find a solution, whether it’s by changing up their lineup or calling up someone like the scorching Georgii Merkulov from Providence. Poitras will surely help the squad get better, but for now, he should continue to concentrate on improving and trying to win a gold medal with squad Canada.
On Tuesday, December 26 in Sweden, Poitras will play Finland in the World Junior Championship’s preliminary round. Bruins fans will have a fantastic chance to watch Poitras in action and get a glimpse of some of the top young players in hockey.
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