Matt Poitras is day-to-day because of an undisclosed injury. According to coach Jim Montgomery, Poitras' condition does not necessarily affect whether he stays with the team or starts in the AHL. Montgomery said he did not know whether Poitras will be available for the opener.
If Poitras cannot play, Tyler Johnson will be the No. 3 center between Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau. Johnson, currently on a professional tryout agreement, will most likely be a low-wage one-year signing.
They will have to utilize Tyler Johnson's services in the meantime, to see if he can make it as the Bruins 3C.
What should happen if he doesn't?
With Max Jones out as well, the red flags should be going off for Don Sweeney, and he should look to Pittsburgh for their solution.
A veteran NHLer in Lars Eller, played a fullseason for the Penguins, scoring 31 points( 15 G, 16 A) in 82 games.
The Penguins were looking to "upgrade" the position, and the Bruins could ship out a high-round pick and Mark Kastelic to upgrade at either 3 or 4C, as it's arguable whether Jones or Johnson can move the needle for the Bruins.
There' are still red flags surrounding the Jeremy Swayman situation, and given that neither side wants to budge could lead to something drastic happening.
Could we see Don Sweeney and the Bruins make a drastic change in net, for a prospect like Yaroslav Askarov, or someone like Pyotr Kotchetkov, or Artur Silovs?
The return will have to be good, but it's doubtful that Korpisalo is ready for another season with the high pressure of Bruins hockey.