Notebook: Camp Commences in Boston, Bergeron has Setback, Krug Rehabs

BOSTON - Warrior Ice Arena was notably different than years past for Day 1 of the 2018 Training Camp, presented by AT&T. The usually boisterous locker room was tamer than usual, missing the prominent voices of Brad Marchand and David Backes among others. In total, the Boston group is missing 21 players, many of whom will be on the opening night roster. One thing that is not missing from this year's training camp: competition.
"The message to the group was pretty simple," said Bruins assistant coach Joe Sacco, who is part of the group staying in Boston. "There's really not a big difference here. We've kept some players behind here, we sent some guys over there. Both groups there's guys that are competing for jobs and that's really the message that was sent to both teams.

"Regardless if you're here or regardless if you're overseas there's an opportunity for you. Again, like any training camp, just go out and make the most out of it. That's pretty much the simple message that was delivered."
Danton Heinen is one of the NHLers remaining and discussed his opportunity to possibly move into a top-six role this season.
"I'm excited for sure," said Heinen. It's a little different this year. I'm a little more comfortable around everybody… Just keep on trying to work hard. "
David Krejci is also staying back in Boston, and Heinen may see time on the veteran's right wing.
"If I get the opportunity to play [on Krejci's wing] I'd love that," said Heinen."[I'll] try to take advantage of it. Just going to try to work hard and get ready."
Krejci, who has seen a multitude of players on either wing over the years, is focusing on what he can control.
"Whoever is going to be on my line is up to coaches," said Krejci. "My job is to control what I can control, and whoever is on my line to try create chemistry, try to help him out and get better as a line. The better we get as a line, the better we get as a team."

Patrice Bergeron, a veteran of 14 NHL seasons, knows the importance of having competition at training camp while also building a strong bond among his teammates.
"I think every year is about making sure you find a competitive level and push guys for different spots but also to be better and to push our limits," said Bergeron. "It's different this year because usually you're trying to bond and create chemistry right away, but that being said it's an adjustment and it's about making sure you feel good individually but also as a team."

Bergeron Has Setback

Bergeron underwent offseason groin surgery and previously said his goal was to be ready for the beginning of the season. This week, the 33-year-old has been dealing with a slight setback.
"I'm dealing with some back spasms right now," said Bergeron. "A little bit of a setback that way but still shooting for same schedule for the end of camp and start of the season, so nothing's changed that way."
Bergeron believes the back spasms may be related to his rehab from the groin surgery and does not expect it to alter his recovery timeline.

"Sometimes it does happen I've been told," said Bergeron. "People have dealt with groin and hip injuries, they've dealt with some back injuries as well. A little bit of a setback but otherwise I'm looking forward to being done and feeling good next week. I feel good with how surgery went and the rehab and everything and looking forward to keep ramping up the work load and making sure I'm ready for the start of season."
Sacco told media on Thursday that the staff would take the necessary precautions, but that they were hopeful he may still see some preseason action.
"He'll be working with the medical staff closely," said Sacco. "They'll be monitoring that situation and hopefully he'll get in an exhibition game towards the end and be ready for the start of the season. That's the plan."

Krug Continues Rehab

Torey Krug has been hitting the ice at Warrior Ice Arena since the beginning of Captains' Practice, although he has yet to skate with the full group.
"Yeah I feel pretty good," said Krug. "It's still a work in progress, but I'm closer and closer each day and hopefully that puts me on the right track to be ready to go."
While it is unclear if he will participate in preseason games, the 27-year-old is hopeful he will get the opportunity to.
"I'd love to, especially to get my timing back," said Krug. "Make sure I feel as normal as possible and, conditioning wise, to get back to strength and feel good for the regular season. I'll probably be skating on my own still for a little while, just slowly working with the group, eventually get into a game hopefully."
Krug also touched on the trade of Adam McQuaid, who he skated alongside for a number of seasons.
"It was sad," said Krug. "I know we always use the simple line of that's the nature of the business, but when you see someone go like that it's a sad day. I learned to be a professional and play every single night and play different situations with him, along with him. I played probably close to 300 games with him as my partner.
"It's tough, especially to see a guy that is willing to do anything for this team and whatever team he's on, the type of teammate that he is, the type of friend that he is, it's sad to see him go."

Kampfer Returns

Part of the return for McQuaid was old friend Steven Kampfer. Kampfer was part of the Bruins organization from 2009-2012 and played in 48 NHL games with the B's over a few seasons. The Michigan-native was also a member of the 2011 Black Aces squad who were with the team during their run to the Stanley Cup.
"It's a great feeling to be back," said Kampfer. "I think when you come back in and you know guys in the locker room it makes it feel a little bit easier to transition back into it. Seeing Zee [Zdeno Chara] and Bergy [Patrice Bergeron] and those guys makes it a little bit easier with half the guys across the world, I'll see a couple of them when they get back. It's definitely easier to step back into a locker room."

The 29-year-old also discussed the differences he has noticed, including the new practice facility which opened after his departure.
"Yeah, it's definitely different - you're not driving out to Wilmington every day. This practice facility is great. The Jacobs' have done a great job of building this for the guys. It's great to be here. There's definitely a different feeling being back and seeing how the team's progressed the past couple of years."
One thing that is familiar to Kampfer from his days with the Bruins is their status as Stanley Cup contenders.
"They're a Stanley Cup contender every year, so it's great to be back in an organization that's going to make a run and do great things. Playing them last year you could tell the way Bruce [Cassidy] coaches and everything like that, you can see they're clicking on all cylinders every night. They were a team you had marked on your calendar because you knew they were a good team coming in and that's something we're going to try to keep continuing this year."

Chara Excited for Another Camp

Zdeno Chara (41) is more than double the age of some of the Bruins young players at training camp. He noted the excitement that the young players bring.
"It's nice to see that you have so many young, talented players coming in with such a bright future and so much ahead of them," said Chara. "That's what excites me, to be around young players, young people and the kind of energy they bring."
The Bruins captain led players through the off-ice fitness testing on Thursday and is enjoying being back around his teammates.
"I feel great, excited to be starting the training camp," said Chara. "It's a lot to be excited about. There's that vibe and energy that everyone brings in, so it's exciting. It's a time of the year that we're happy to be back and playing hockey and training and playing organized hockey and being around each other.