Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras, left, drives along the boards...

Boston Bruins center Matthew Poitras, left, drives along the boards past Colorado Avalanche defenseman Caleb Jones, right, in the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Denver. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski

BOSTON — Boston Bruins rookie Matthew Poitras had season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Wednesday, the team said.

General manager Don Sweeney said the team’s medical staff recommended the procedure rather than have Poitras continue to play with an unstable shoulder and risk further damage.

Team doctor Peter Asnis said the procedure was a success. Poitras is expected to need five months to recover.

A second-round pick in the 2022 draft, the 19-year-old Toronto native made the team out of training camp this year and had five goals and 10 assists in 33 games.

“Matt has been an important part of our team’s success thus far, and he will be missed,” Sweeney said. “Matt is just starting his Bruins career and is a key part of our future.”

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