BOSTON (CBS) — Skating with his new team for the first time on Tuesday, Brett Connolly is excited for a fresh start.

Acquired by Boston ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, Connolly joined his Bruins teammates Tuesday at the team’s practice facilities in Wilmington. He skated on the fourth line alongside Gregory Campbell (returning from injury), Chris Kelly and Brian Ferlin, and will wear No. 14 for Boston.

“I’m very excited for a fresh start. I thought I found my game a little bit this year, and I’m excited Boston wanted me,” Connolly said after practice, saying he has a lot to prove to himself. “I’m excited to get going; it was a good first day.”

Connolly just arrived this morning, and said it has been a quick turnaround for him since his unexpected exit from Tampa Bay. But he relied on the helping hands of his new linemates, who have made his transition an easy one so far.

“The guys have been great and welcomed me right away,” he said. “There is a good winning tradition here, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Head coach Claude Julien doesn’t know where he’ll use Connolly, who tallied 12 goals in 50 games with the Lightning this season.

“We’ll have to see,” said Julien. “This is a guy who is in his first full year. I know he has skill and I know he can shoot the puck. We’ll see where he fits in with our hockey club and where he fits in in time.”

“I’m excited to produce and help the team win down the stretch,” said Connolly. “We’re in the playoff hunt here so I want to be a part of it. I want to do my best.”

There were a few familiar faces for the 22-year-old Connolly at practice on Tuesday. He played with Dougie Hamilton on the Canadian World Juniors team, and Ryan Spooner on the Under-18 club.

Boston’s other deadline day acquisition, forward Max Talbot, will join the team on Wednesday. The Bruins don’t play until Thursday night, when they host the Calgary Flames at the TD Garden.