Last season: 41-27-14, fifth in Atlantic Division; missed playoffs.
Coach: Claude Julien (9th season with Bruins).
Top returning players: C Patrice Bergeron (29 G, 32 A, Frank J. Selke winner as the top defensive forward); G Tuukka Rask (2.30 GAA, .922 save percentage in 70 games); D Zdeno Chara.
Top newcomers: LW Matt Beleskey; RW Jimmy Hayes.
Opener: vs. Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m. Thursday at TD Garden, Boston.
Outlook: The Bruins set an NHL record — one they’d love to forget — in posting the most points (96) of any non-playoff team in history. They fired general manager Peter Chiarelli — promoting Don Sweeney to the job —and kept coach Julien. Injuries to an already questionable defense could force a slow start. Boston should return to the playoffs, but the offense must show more consistency.