Bruins' promising 20-year-old forward close to return

Matt Poitras looks set to return to the Bruins lineup.

After missing the end of training camp and the first two games of the regular season with an undisclosed injury, the Bruins’ 20-year-old forward is close to a return to the lineup.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said Poitras was “close” and could play Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Kings if he responds well after Friday’s practice.

Activating Poitras to the 23-man roster will require a roster move.

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Poitras practiced with the third line at center between Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau on Friday. Frederic played the first two games there at center with Max Jones on the wing vs. Florida and Riley Tufte there against Montreal. Neither Tufte nor Jones made positive impacts making each of them candidates to be placed on waivers for the purpose of being sent to Providence.

Tufte is the more likely option to be demoted because Jones is more likely to be claimed.

Poitras hasn’t played since Jan. 25. He had shoulder surgery that ended a promising start to his career that began with a breakout training camp that made him an early fan favorite last year. He had five goals and 10 assists in 33 games.

Poitras wasn’t eligible to be sent to the AHL last year. This year the Bruins could place him in Providence if he struggles without putting him on waivers. But he said earlier in camp that he’s committed to playing well enough that the Bruins won’t want to consider it.

“I want to be here,” he said last month. “I want to be able to show that I belong here and they don’t really have a choice. They gotta keep me here.”

After being one of the slightest players last year, Poitras used the time following surgery to get stronger. He’s listed at 181 pounds and looks a little thicker and said he felt a little stronger.

“I definitely feel stronger and not to the point where I added weight and I slowed down,” he said last month. “I’m the same speed if not a bit faster. The extra weight might help in those corner battle situations.”