Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid wants a little more responsibility this season.
"I think I'm looking to take on more of a leadership role," he told Jess Isner of the team's official website.
The 28-year-old also wants more playing time.
"I've been here for a little while now, and I do want to take that next step," he said. "I want to try and bring more to the table, hopefully play a little bit more in a top-four role, but again, at the end of the day, it's all about what works within the team and the system, and whatever brings success."
McQuaid signed a four-year deal to stay with the Bruins following his sixth season with the club.
After a busy summer that saw new general manager Don Sweeney transform the club, McQuaid hopes he can become a mentor for the new faces.
"From an off-ice standpoint, hopefully I'll be able to be a guy who guys can go to if they have questions or concerns, or (if they) need to talk about hockey, or anything else," he said. "I can be one of those guys, and that goes a long way, too."
The Bruins' offseason moves included deals that sent veteran Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings, defenseman Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames, and a trade that sent Reilly Smith to the Florida Panthers for Jimmy Hayes. The Bruins also signed forward Matt Beleskey to a five-year deal.
McQuaid wasn't expecting all of the changes.
"I didn't foresee things happening the way they did, but obviously, I'm very excited to be back."
