The Boston Bruins are gearing up for a transition season after missing the playoffs last year.They have a new coach, Marco Sturm, who was hired in June. The team made several roster changes, adding players like Viktor Arvidsson and Tanner Jeannot, while parting with others, including former coach Joe Sacco. Their season opener is on Oct. 8 against Washington. The Bruins struggled last season, finishing last in the Eastern Conference. Goalie Jeremy Swayman had an off year but could be key if he returns to form. The forward lineup looks weak beyond David Pastrnak, and the defense lacks depthWhat to expectThe Bruins bailed on coach Jim Montgomery after 20 games last season and didn’t improve under interim Joe Sacco, having a fire sale at the trade deadline in which they jettisoned captain Brad Marchand, forwards Justin Brazeau Charlie Coyle, Marc McLaughlin and Trent Frederic along with defenseman Brandon Carlo. They finished with 76 points, last in the Eastern Conference and tied for the fourth-worst record in the NHL. This season will be a transition and then some.Strengths and weaknessesThe good: Swayman never really found his groove last season after holding out in training camp and signing an eight-year, $66 million contract two days before the opener. If he can post anything resembling his 2022-23 season, when he went 24-6-4 with a 2.27 GAA, the Bruins might be able to eke into the playoffs.The not-so-good: The forward lineup for this season looks weak beyond David Pastrnak. The defense could be better with the healthy return of Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, but depth beyond that is thin.Players to watchBlumel and Alex Steeves were the top two goal-scorers in the AHL last season. Swayman needs to bounce back from his off season. Will the team play without a captain after trading Marchand last season? If not, the elder statesman is Pastrnak, who may not fit the mold, with McAvoy emerging as the veteran with the most sway in the room.

BOSTON —

The Boston Bruins are gearing up for a transition season after missing the playoffs last year.

They have a new coach, Marco Sturm, who was hired in June. The team made several roster changes, adding players like Viktor Arvidsson and Tanner Jeannot, while parting with others, including former coach Joe Sacco.

Their season opener is on Oct. 8 against Washington. The Bruins struggled last season, finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

Goalie Jeremy Swayman had an off year but could be key if he returns to form. The forward lineup looks weak beyond David Pastrnak, and the defense lacks depth

What to expect

The Bruins bailed on coach Jim Montgomery after 20 games last season and didn’t improve under interim Joe Sacco, having a fire sale at the trade deadline in which they jettisoned captain Brad Marchand, forwards Justin Brazeau Charlie Coyle, Marc McLaughlin and Trent Frederic along with defenseman Brandon Carlo. They finished with 76 points, last in the Eastern Conference and tied for the fourth-worst record in the NHL. This season will be a transition and then some.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: Swayman never really found his groove last season after holding out in training camp and signing an eight-year, $66 million contract two days before the opener. If he can post anything resembling his 2022-23 season, when he went 24-6-4 with a 2.27 GAA, the Bruins might be able to eke into the playoffs.

The not-so-good: The forward lineup for this season looks weak beyond David Pastrnak. The defense could be better with the healthy return of Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, but depth beyond that is thin.

Players to watch

Blumel and Alex Steeves were the top two goal-scorers in the AHL last season. Swayman needs to bounce back from his off season. Will the team play without a captain after trading Marchand last season? If not, the elder statesman is Pastrnak, who may not fit the mold, with McAvoy emerging as the veteran with the most sway in the room.