He’s been one of Boston’s most talked about prospects since he arrived at training camp as an 18-year-old second-round draft pick in 2023 and surprised many by securing a roster spot.

A nagging shoulder injury and corrective surgery curtailed that rookie season, and Poitras spent most of subsequent two in Providence gaining muscle and perspective.

He entered this past summer in flux. As a restricted free agent, his options were limited as he waited for a contract offer from the Bruins. He signed on the eve of training camp, and still faced the daunting task of securing a roster spot on a team that had precious few up for grabs.

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“It was not easy. Just having the whole summer go by and signing so late just before camp,” Poitras said. “I just wanted to come in and try and earn a spot. And then I feel like I was playing well, then I got hurt.

“So that sucked and just the uncertainty after that, just waiting and seeing. I couldn’t really do anything because just trying to get healthy.”

Fortunately, his lower-body injury was minor. And after a short stint off the ice, Poitras was able to pick up where he left off. He landed on the varsity — a relief for him, and the club. If the Bruins had tried to sneak Poitras to Providence, he would have been subject to waivers. Given his age and salary ($850,000), he likely would have been snapped up.

“That was the only thing that sucked, because the camp was so short this year. So I got hurt for a week and a bit, and now I’m missing a little bit longer, and now I have to get a few practices before I can get back in the lineup,” he said. “So, it’s just kind of weird timing with only four preseason games and only to be able to get to play in one. But yeah, it’s all behind me now.”

Poitras has always had an offensive pedigree — 79 assists and 95 points in his final OHL season is a case in point — but he’s now serving a different role as Boston’s fourth-line center between hulking wingers Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic.

“Jeano and Kasty are super easy to play with, super easy to read off, and they play really hard,” said Poitras, who has two goals and 3 points in four games. “I don’t have to be as aggressive because those guys are always on the forecheck.

“It’s been fun and obviously it’s a new role that I’m not totally used to, and I’ve never really played a role like this ever in hockey. It’s just something new, just taking it day-by-day, and just trying to do the simple things right. And not too worried about still trying to provide some offense, but just trying to play a detailed game.”

Coaches and general managers often talk about earning a job by taking someone else’s. Poitras, who supplanted Sean Kuraly on the fourth line, said that’s the mentality — and that it hasn’t caused any ruffled feathers.

“The NHL is a competitive league, and everybody’s trying to move themselves up and everybody wants to play and be in the lineup every night,” he said. “So, it’s nothing ever personal. I think we have a pretty close team, and everybody’s been great.

“For me, I’m just trying to be in the lineup every night and I’ll do whatever it takes to do that. So yeah, I feel like that’s just the way the NHL is.”

Starting on the pond

Micheal DiPietro got the start in net vs. the Ducks … Marco Sturm was surprised to learn Tuesday’s win in San Jose was his 50th as Bruins coach. “I had a great start to my coaching career with this group last season, and I feel like it’s even better this year,” he said. “And again, it’s nothing to do with the wins and losses, but it’s just getting more comfortable.” … The Bruins bussed north on I-5 to Los Angeles after the game for Saturday’s game with the Kings.

Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him @globejimmcbride.