“There’s really no downside. He’ll be a leader on that team,” said Bruins GM Don Sweeney. “We’re excited for Matty. He’ll represent himself, his family and the Boston Bruins really well.”

At 19, Poitras is still eligible to play in the annual tournament, which begins on Dec. 26 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The event runs until Jan. 5 depending on how long Canada lasts.

He could miss up to nine Bruins games.

Poitras has hit a bit of a rut at this point in the season. Montgomery’s leash has been shorter with him and he’s sat him for long stretches late in games. He sat out his second game in eight days on Friday vs. the Islanders.