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.

Players like David Krejci and Brad Marchand spent a year and a half in the minors,” said Bruins' coach Jim Montgomery. Now it's Matt Poitras' turn to do the same.

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 ...