Mike Babcock reportedly pushing for Bruins forward as Oilers explore potential move
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The Oilers are tracking Bruins forward Matt Poitras as a fourth-line centre, and Mike Babcock is said to be his biggest backer in Edmonton, per Frank Seravalli.
The Edmonton Oilers have been quietly watching Boston Bruins forward Matt Poitras.
Frank Seravalli reports that Edmonton is one of the teams keeping tabs on the 22-year-old as it searches for a right-shooting centre to anchor its fourth line.
The biggest reason for the interest is Mike Babcock.
Seravalli says the Oilers coach is Poitras' top supporter inside the organization, and he points to Alex Formenton's September signing as an example that Babcock's voice carries weight.
"Count the Edmonton Oilers among those who have kept tabs on Boston Bruins forward Matthew Poitras in their quest to find a right-shooting centre to anchor their fourth line. Poitras' biggest supporter internally is coach Mike Babcock - and that worked out well for Alex Formenton in September.''
- Frank Seravalli
- Frank Seravalli
Formenton landed a one-year, $850,000 deal.
Why Poitras fits Edmonton's search
Poitras is a centre who shoots right, which checks the exact box Edmonton is chasing.
Boston drafted him 54th overall in 2022, and he has seven goals and 27 points in 69 NHL games.
Last season he spent most of his time with AHL Providence, collecting 13 goals and 31 assists in 69 games.
Boston signed him to a one-year, two-way deal worth $850,000 on the first day of training camp.
A lower-body injury on Sept. 22 landed him on injured reserve to open the year, but he returned this week and was set to centre the fourth line against Ottawa on Monday.
Coach Marco Sturm wants him to play a simple game and focus on the small details.
What comes next for Boston
For now, this is interest and nothing more.
Boston management has said it hopes Poitras is here to stay, but he is still trying to prove he belongs in a full-time NHL role.
Babcock's support gives Edmonton a reason to keep checking in, though, and Poitras is a name to watch as the season moves along and rosters take shape.
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