On June 29, 2026, the Boston Bruins tendered a qualifying offer to restricted free‑agent Matthew Poitras.
Poitras’ three‑year entry‑level contract, which paid an average annual value of $870,000, expired at the end of the 2025‑26 season. He spent most of that campaign with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, registering 44 points—13 goals and 31 assists—across 69 games.
Poitras has logged 40 more games in the AHL than in the NHL and has been repeatedly demoted by Boston over the past two seasons.
Unlike Michael DiPietro, Poitras has not secured another NHL look despite already playing 69 games at the top level, where he recorded seven goals and 27 points. He is ineligible for arbitration, which reduces his bargaining power; the Bruins’ qualifying offer could push him toward a decision by early December.
The July 15 signing deadline has already passed, leaving the Bruins to retain his rights after General Manager Don Sweeney issued a qualifying offer of $850,000 AAV.
Given that Boston is promoting DiPietro, the question arises as to why Poitras has not received a similar bump. He is a hard‑working depth player who could become a meaningful contributor in the top nine forwards.
Is Poitras a Trade Chip?
ESPN’s Rachel Kryshak believes Poitras is a Bruin forward who could thrive with a change of scenery. Although this assessment was made in May, the emergence of James Hagens has reduced the urgency to keep him, arguably rendering him expendable.
A team willing to develop him, staying patient as he improves on both ends of the ice, and give him opportunities to contribute offensively could have itself a middle‑six center.
Are Sweeney and the Boston front office prepared to move a player they are unwilling to insert above Sean Kuraly or Elias Lindholm—both of whom have struggled recently?
Dobber Prospects views Poitras as possessing the makeup of a secondary‑scoring option:
Hard‑working two‑way forward with the skill to capitalize on opposing mistakes. Already displays a lot of pro‑level habits and projects as a reliable NHL forward with secondary scoring ability. If Poitras fails to sign before Dec., the Bruins will have to consider alternate routes of recouping value for the center.
Selected 54th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Poitras has untapped potential after bouncing between the AHL and NHL the past few seasons. As a two‑way forward, several NHL clubs could view him as attractive trade bait.
What return could Boston expect? According to The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa, the Bruins should aim for a second‑round pick. An NHL amateur scouting director, speaking anonymously, noted that Poitras may no longer be considered a sure bet.
“I wouldn’t trade for him, personally,” the director said. “If they can recoup a second, that’s a win for me.” – From ‘What I’m hearing about Matt Poitras and Mason Lohrei’s trade value,’ The Athletic 04/04/2026.
Bruins Need to Make a Decision
While Poitras once appeared to have a bright future in Boston, questionable front‑office decisions may have derailed his prospects, potentially leading him to decline the qualifying offer.
This situation is a red flag for a Bruins organization that has learned from past mistakes by promoting DiPietro, yet appears hesitant to give Poitras a NHL wing spot until he is fully ready to center.
Whether we see Poitras in another team’s jersey in the future may hinge on whether Boston believes a trade would better serve his development than keeping him in Providence, where he continues to progress and demonstrate NHL readiness.