Matt Poitras has top-six potential and if he can approach that potential this year, the team gets a lift.

Vegas, which already has the best start for a reigning champ with seven consecutive victories, is the closest to tying the record for the longest winning streak to start a season: 10 by the 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs and 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres.

Rookie Matthew Poitras, 19, gets the tying and go-ahead goals in the third period as Boston improves to 5-0.

McAvoy is healthy and ready to take on a bigger role as Boston gets younger.

Matthew Poitras, 19, led the Bruins in the preseason with three goals.

The Boston Bruins are looking ahead at a new season after their stunning first-round ouster last spring

Acquired in the Taylor Hall trade with Chicago, Mitchell has familiarity with Coach Jim Montgomery but faces a tough battle against a strong group of defensemen.

Lucic, in his second stint with the Bruins, is playing the role of veteran, and still brings skills to the ice.

Brad Marchand is the longest-tenured member of the Boston roster and the last player who has remained with the club since its 2011 Stanley Cup title.