BOSTON (AP) The Boston Bruins named Brad Marchand captain on Wednesday, putting the "C" previously worn by the soft-spoken and universally revered Patrice Bergeron on the sweater of a notorious instigator who - the team insists - has moved on from his face-licking phase and matured into one of the most respected voices in their locker room.

"It means more to me than I think anyone will ever know to be able to wear a 'C' for this team," Marchand said. "It almost felt surreal to see the jersey. ... As a 23-year-old, if I would have told myself I would be captain some day, I definitely would not have bet a penny on that."

The Bruins made the announcement at the start of training camp, where they begin their effort to build on the 2022-23 regular season that was the best in NHL history - and to forget about what happened in the playoffs, when they were eliminated in the first round. Entering his 15th season, Marchand is the longest-tenured member of the roster and the last player who has remained with the club since its 2011 Stanley Cup title.