Boston Bruins’ Matthew Poitras out for rest of regular season after shoulder surgery

A tough blow for one of the rising stars in New England.

On Wednesday, the Boston Bruins revealed that forward Matthew Poitras underwent a successful surgery on his right shoulder, and is expected to be out for the rest of the regular season.

According to Bruins medical director Dr. Peter Asnis, Poitras had a Latarjet procedure on Wednesday at Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital, with the recovery time approximately five months.

Poitras was injured after delivering a check in a game against the Arizona Coyotes on Jan. 9, and had to leave the game early. He missed four games before returning to the lineup on Jan. 20. Poitras played three games, with his last coming against the Ottawa Senators on Jan. 25.

“Matt has been an important part of our team’s success thus far, and he will be missed,” general manager Don Sweeney said in a release. “Our medical staff made the recommendation for Matt to proceed with the surgery rather than continue playing with an unstable shoulder and risking further damage. Everyone involved supported the decision as to do what was best for him at this time. Matt is just starting his Bruins career and is a key part of our future.”

The 2022 second-round pick came into his rookie season with a lot of pomp and circumstance. At just 19, Poitras proved he was good enough to be on the NHL roster, thanks to his skillset and confidence. The former Guelph Storm star took time away from the Bruins to play for Canada at the World Junior Championships, though he and the Canadians were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Poitras ends his first season in Boston with five goals and 15 assists in 33 games. The only possible way he returns to the team this year is if the Bruins make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Bruins (31-10-9) are still first in the Atlantic Division, and in the Eastern Conference, sitting five points ahead of the Florida Panthers.