Official Bruins Preview from TSN.ca

Offseason Moves: Acquired right wing Petr Tenkrat from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2006 seventh-round pick; acquired goaltender Tuukka Rask from the Toronto Maple Leafs for goaltender Andrew Raycroft; acquired defenceman Paul Mara and a conditional third-round pick in either 2007 or 2008 from the Phoenix Coyotes for defenceman Nick Boynton and a 2007 fourth-round pick; signed defenceman Zdeno Chara, who had been with the Ottawa Senators, to a five-year contract; signed centre Marc Savard, who had been with the Atlanta Thrashers, to a four-year contract; agreed to terms with right wing Shean Donovan, who had been with the Calgary Flames, on a two-year contract; agreed to terms with centre Mark Mowers, who had been with the Detroit Red Wings, on a two-year contract; agreed to terms with goaltender Brian Finley, who had been with the Nashville Predators; agreed to terms with defenceman Bobby Allen, who had been with the New Jersey Devils; agreed to terms with left wing Nate DiCasmirro, who had been with the Edmonton Oilers; agreed to terms with left wing Dennis Packard, who had been with the Tampa Bay Lightning; agreed to terms with defenceman Wade Brookbank, who had been with the Vancouver Canucks; agreed to terms with left wing Jeff Hoggan, who had been with the St. Louis Blues; agreed to terms with defenceman Jason York, who had been in Switzerland.

Goaltending: At 32 years of age, Tim Thomas turned a lot of heads while playing in goal for the struggling Bruins. He had an impressive .917 save percentage in 38 games last year, and kept Boston competitive in every game he started. His new three-year contract ensures that he will get the chance to make a difference again, and also buys time for the Bruins' younger goalies to develop more. Hannu Toivonen is only 22 and is still eligible for the Calder this season, while Tuukka Rask is a season or two away from getting mainstay consideration.

Defence: The Bruins got a lot bigger and a lot more intimidating with the addition of Zdeno Chara, who signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract over the summer. With his renowned size and physical play, there aren't many players capable of handling him in his own zone. Thomas and Toivonen's work load will be just a little bit lighter with the 6-foot-9 giant working the corners and clearing the front of the net. Chara's presence rounds out a solid defence that includes point men Brad Stuart and new arrival Paul Mara, as well as big defensive blueliners Andrew Alberts, Milan Jurcina and Wade Brookbank. Mark Stuart spent much of last season with Providence of the AHL last season, and played well enough to earn a call up down the stretch. He's not considered to be a big point-producer, but can skate well on the rush and plays effectively in a physical game as a shut down man.

Forwards: For all the talk about trading away top-liners Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov last season, the Bruins' acquisition of Marco Sturm from the Sharks gives the team a new and effective No. 1 unit. The line of Sturm, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Boyes gelled incredibly well last season, and their combination of speed, playmaking and scoring should make them an everyday threat. The Bruins also improved in bolstering their second line, with free agent Marc Savard (97 points last season) likely playing alongside Glen Murray and P.J. Axelsson. Shean Donovan and Mark Mowers give Boston some much-needed experience and character on the third and fourth lines.

Welcome to the NHL: Phil Kessel was the best pure scorer available in June's Entry Draft and appears to be ready to start his career in the National Hockey League. He has great game-breaking ability, with great speed and hands. With Bergeron and Savard taking the top two centre positions, Kessel will start on the third or fourth line or be put on the wing.

He Said It: "I was excited. I was surprised, but I was excited." - Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, who was still under contract with the Ottawa Senators when interim GM Jeff Gorton signed free agent defenceman Zdeno Chara.

2005-06 Finish: 29-37-16, 13th East
General Manager: Peter Chiarelli (1st Season)
Head Coach: Dave Lewis (1st Season)
2005-06 Goals For: 230 2005-06
Goals Against: 266 2005-06
Power Play: 14.8% (25th) 2005-06
Penalty Killing: 83.7% (10th)
Points Leader: Patrice Bergeron (73)
Goals Leader: Patrice Bergeron (31)
Assists Leader: Brad Boyes (43)