Bruins loan Poitras to Team Canada for world juniors

The Boston Bruins assigned Matthew Poitras to the Canadian squad for the upcoming World Junior Championship, the NHL club announced Monday.

Canada initially named only 12 forwards to its roster, leaving the door open in case the Bruins were willing to part with Poitras for the duration of the tournament - or likewise with the Buffalo Sabres and Zach Benson, who'll be staying with his club.

Poitras has five goals and eight assists while averaging 14:06 of ice time in 27 games as a rookie this season. He most recently centered Boston's third line between James van Riemsdyk and Trent Frederic.

Canada gets a big boost with the addition of Poitras. The 19-year-old racked up 16 goals and 79 assists over 63 games with the OHL's Guelph Storm in 2022-23.

Poitras will join a group of Canadian forwards that includes projected 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini of Boston University, returning forward Owen Beck (a Montreal Canadiens prospect), and Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Jordan Dumais (16 goals in 21 games this season with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads), along with ninth overall picks Nate Danielson (Detroit Red Wings, 2023) and Matt Savoie (Sabres, 2022).

The Bruins chose Poitras 54th overall last year.