Boston Bruins forward Matthew Poitras is off to a strong start to the 2026-27 season, chipping in four goals and seven points in 12 games.
But his availability is uncertain after a collision with Vegas Golden Knights forward Braeden Bowman in a 3-2 shootout win at TD Garden on Monday night.
Poitras made a cross-ice pass while carrying the puck through the neutral zone before taking a check from Bowman early in the second period.
Although Poitras returned to the bench with a full bubble shield, he didn't play another shift, finishing with just 3:13 of ice time.
Hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported that there would be no supplemental discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety following the check: “Because Bowman kept his elbow tucked to his body, it is not viewed as elbowing. Head is not deemed to be principal point of contact. Reverse angle shows Poitras actually skates into Bowman.”
Still, Poitras was absent from Boston's practice Tuesday, as noted by Scott McLaughlin of WEEI.
Bruins coach Marco Sturm hasn't provided an update on Poitras. Bowman received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the hit, but Seravalli's report indicates no further discipline will follow.
Losing Poitras for any period of time would be a blow. The Ajax, Ontario native has provided strong offensive production despite averaging under 10 minutes per game.
He signed a one-year, two-way contract with an $850,000 cap hit in September, and he's fighting to remain in the National full time in 2026-27. Originally selected 54th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, he appeared in 33 games between 2024-26.
Despite his strong offensive start, he hasn't been able to crack Boston's second power-play unit, which currently features forwards Fraser Minten, James Hagens, Casey Mittelstadt and JJ Peterka, and defenseman Mason Lohrei.
The Bruins boast some of the best offensive depth in the NHL, and it's a big reason why they are 11-4-1 and in first place in the Atlantic Division in the early going.
They'll hope Poitras avoided a long-term injury on the play. Boston is next in action against the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.