The boys are back. The Boston Bruins hit the ice yesterday (September 3rd) for their first informal Captains’ Practice, giving fans a taste of what’s to come as the new season approaches. These player-led sessions are all about getting the team back in the groove before the official training camp starts. Organized by the veterans, Captains’ Practices aren’t part of the official team activities but are crucial for getting everyone on the same page, especially with new faces on the roster.

Why are these practices a big deal? For starters, the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) limits how much time players can spend in mandatory team activities during the offseason. So, these informal skates are a way for the guys to stay sharp without breaking any rules. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity for some early team bonding, which is especially important as the Bruins try to build chemistry and get ready for the grind of the upcoming season.

On the ice yesterday, we saw a mix of familiar faces and some of the younger talent looking to make an impact. Players like Charlie Coyle, Trent Frederic, and Charlie McAvoy were out there, along with new faces such as Elias Lindholm and Joonas Korpisalo. Additionally, younger players like Mason Lohrei and Johnny Beecher. It’s early yet, but getting this group together now can only help come October. Coyle has been someone that Marchand projects to take an even further step in his career in the 2024-2025 season.

In other news, Bruins captain Brad Marchand revealed that he underwent three surgeries this summer. According to Ty Anderson from 98.5 The Sports Hub, Marchand had three procedures done this offseason and is on track to be ready for the start of the season. Despite these setbacks, you can bet that Marchand will be ready to lead the team when it matters most.

Brad Marchand underwent three surgeries this past summer. Elbow (torn tendon), groin, and abdominal. Played through elbow injury all 2023-24, while other two injuries happened late in 2023-24 regular season.

— Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) September 3, 2024

Here’s a full list of players who attended yesterday’s Captains’ Practice:

1. Mason Lohrei
2. Johnny Beecher
3. Jeremy Swayman (without a contract in hand, mind you)
4. Brandon Bussi
5. Justin Brazeau
6. Trevor Kuntar
7. Frederic Brunet
8. Georgi Merkulov
9. Drew Bavaro
10. Michael Callahan
11. Marc McLaughlin
12. Eduards Tralmaks
13. Trent Frederic
14. Max Jones
15. Patrick Brown
16. Charlie Coyle
17. Pavel Zacha
18. Andrew Peeke
19. Riley Duran
20. Chris Wagner (Signed with the Colorado Avalanche)
21. Brett Harrison
22. Matthew Poitras
23. Charlie McAvoy
24. Elias Lindholm
25. Joonas Korpisalo

As the season inches closer, these practices will help set the tone for what should be an exciting year for the Bruins.