The Boston Bruins face a significant choice regarding Matthew Poitras

In Poitras' stead, Trent Frederic, typically positioned as a right wing, took over as the center on the No. 3 line, playing alongside James van Riemsdyk and Jesper Boqvist. Boqvist, formerly sidelined as a healthy scratch, filled Poitras' role but had limited playtime, clocking just 4:47 minutes before being benched in the second period.

Coach Jim Montgomery clarified that Poitras' absence was part of their premeditated plan to manage his workload effectively. However, the question remains whether a more extended hiatus from gameplay is imminent.

Adding another element of uncertainty, Hockey Canada has expressed interest in having Poitras released for the World Junior Championship. As of the latest update, the Bruins are still deliberating this decision, with Montgomery stating,

Hailing from Whitby, Ontario, Poitras wasn't under consideration for Canada's roster in the previous year's tournament. Still, his remarkable advancement during the latter part of the 2022-23 season has thrust him into the spotlight. Despite initial triumphs in the NHL, Poitras has encountered recent hurdles, notably being benched during a match against the Arizona Coyotes.

Given the availability of other right wings such as Morgan Geekie and Patrick Brown, capable of playing at center, the Bruins might consider releasing Poitras for the World Juniors. This move could offer him a chance to showcase his talents on the global stage. Nonetheless, the shift to his age category and the unpredictable nature of decisions in professional hockey render the outcome uncertain.