Bruins rookie center Matt Poitras is taking a break from NHL action for the next few weeks to play for his country.
The Bruins announced on Monday morning that they have assigned the 19-year-old forward to Team Canada for the upcoming 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The annual junior tournament will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden from December 26, 2023 to January 5, 2024. Barring a sudden exit for Team Canada, Poitras will likely be away from the Bruins until at least Jan. 8, when Boston begins a four-game road trip in Denver.
“This is quite an accomplishment for all young hockey players — a chance to represent their country at one of the biggest stages,” Don Sweeney said of Poitras’ assignment.