Bruins eager to commence preseason, start new chapter

Defenseman Steven Kampfer had not been a Bruin since 2012 before returning in the deal that sent Adam McQuaid to the New York Rangers earlier this week, but the University of Michigan product has watched what has been built here from posts in Minnesota, Florida, and the Big Apple.

Kampfer enjoyed seeing that some things haven’t changed since he was part of Boston’s first Stanley Cup-winning club in 39 years in 2011, though the quick drive to Warrior Ice Arena ― as compared to the team’s longtime former practice home at Wilmington’s Ristuccia Arena ― was most welcomed.

There is, too, a different attitude about these Bruins as the split squad based at home gets set to hit the ice for the first time Friday morning in Brighton.



“I’m excited to be back where I was before and come into a locker room where you know some guys in an organization like the Bruins,” Kampfer said. “It’s great seeing guys like (Zdeno Chara) and (Patrice Bergeron) … but there’s definitely a different feeling seeing how the team has progressed over the last few years. They’re a Stanley Cup contender every year, so it’s great to be back in an organization that is going to make a run and do great things.”

Driving towards that ultimate goal begins this week.

The U.S.-based team has just two days of practice before Sunday’s exhibition debut against Washington at TD Garden. The Bruins that arrived in Shenzhen, China for training and the O.R.G. China Games against Calgary did so Wednesday but their equipment bags did not, ultimately forcing the cancellation of today’s practice.

Although this camp structure is wildly different and the group in China had to deal with an added challenge today, the same competitive attitude remains. That competition ratchets up quickly, and there will be plenty of it regardless of where the players are.

“There’s not really a big difference here because we’ve kept some players behind and sent some over there,” said assistant coach Joe Sacco, who will lead the Boston-based group while Bruce Cassidy and the other B’s coaches are in China. “There are guys in both groups competing for jobs, so that’s really the message that was sent.”

Bergeron, of course, doesn’t have a job to win over the next couple of weeks. In fact, he won’t be hitting the ice come Friday as back spasms crept up this week. The assistant captain is still aiming to return to action towards the end of the preseason in anticipation of the first game that counts, which comes October 3 against the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals. (Among the home-based group, forward Noel Acciari (sports hernia) and defenseman Torey Krug (ankle) will also be off the practice ice when practice begins.

Even though his first time on the ice will be delayed, Bergeron recognizes that the differences in this year’s camp won’t have an impact on how the battle for roster spots will shake out.

“Every year there’s some sort of competition, whether there are few spots or many spots,” Bergeron said. “I think every year is about making sure you find a competitive level and push guys for different spots but also to be better and push our limits. It’s different this year because you're usually trying to bond and create chemistry right away, but it's an adjustment and it's about making sure you feel good individually but also as a team.”

Last year’s team relied on a slew of rookies to take spots on the NHL roster right from the get-go, but things look to be a little more settled entering camp this time around.

One of the main goals will be to find a winger to round out the top two lines. After leading the team’s talented first-year class with 44 points in 77 games a season ago, Danton Heinen is looking to prove himself and perhaps earn the chance to skate alongside veteran center David Krejci on the second line.

Heinen, a former Denver star, opened eyes as a regular last season and feels ready to contribute in a similar fashion as a sophomore. His early-season goals mirror those of the team as a whole.

“If I had the opportunity to play there (with Krejci), I’d love it and try to take advantage of it,” Heinen said. “I’m going to try to work hard and get ready to go. It’s a little different this year because I’m more comfortable around everybody.

“Last year didn’t end the way we wanted, but I’m looking to try to build off it personally and with the team.”