Boston opens tonight against the Rangers at TD Garden with 19-year-old James Hagens, from Boston College, on the roster. The Boston Globe reports Hagens is expected to play left wing alongside Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov, and that Jeremy Swayman will start in goal. Boston Hockey Now lists 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders, with Michael DiPietro as the new backup after Joonas Korpisalo was released. Coach Marco Sturm said of Swayman, "He's definitely our guy."

NESN reports David Pastrnak will play his first game as Boston's captain, the club's 28th, following Chara, Bergeron and Marchand. NESN cites career totals of 420 goals and 933 points, including 100 points last season. Acquired winger JJ Peterka and Hagens are expected to add scoring. Pastrnak said of the role, "I'm ready for it."

Boston Hockey Now reports Matt Poitras is headed to injured reserve with a lower-body injury sustained Sept. 22, so he does not count against the 23-player roster limit. The same report says defenseman Henri Jokiharju was placed on waivers for assignment to Providence and that Locmelis and Duran were assigned to Providence. No return timetable was reported; coach Marco Sturm said Poitras "feels better every day, so that's good news."