Matt Poitras joined the Providence Bruins for his first AHL practice on Tuesday. But before the 20-year-old forward was sent down, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery gave him a message.

For the first time in his young pro career, Matt Poitras is heading down to the AHL ranks. The Bruins announced on Monday afternoon that Poitras has been assigned to Providence, just a few hours after skating as the team’s spare forward during practice ...

It should come as no surprise that the young pivot has gone through some growing pains this season, but the Bruins are also inviting plenty of risk by shipping him out.