The days of the Merlot Line are long over.

Following the off-season departures of Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille — and the popular Shawn Thornton two years ago — the Bruins have a new-look fourth line for the 2015-16 season.

Chris Kelly, who was back and forth between the third and fourth lines a season ago, replaces Campbell at center. Alongside him for Thursday’s season opener is Joonas Kemppainen, signed in the offseason after a career year in Finland a year ago, and Zac Rinaldo who was acquired in a trade with the Flyers back in June.

That fourth line does have some moving parts to it. Although Kemppainen (who provides a good skill set) and Rinaldo (who’s history of going over the proverbial fine line in Philadelphia is well documented) are in tonight, Tyler Randell and Max Talbot are waiting in the wings shall they get an opportunity. But these moving parts provide flexibility to a fourth line that struggled most of last season.

Kelly skated with each prospective fourth liner during the preseason and noticed some progression with each game.

“I think all five of us all rotated well through the line,” Kelly said after Thursday’s morning skate. “We all played in various positions throughout camp, so I think it went well. Obviously tonight will be a different test, but I think we’ll work well together.”

That’s not the only new look to the bottom six. Ryan Spooner, who progressed nicely late last season, earns a spot on the third line centering Jimmy Hayes and Brett Connolly.

Jimmy Hayes looks to do good things with Ryan Spooner and Brett Connolly on the third line. Photo by Joe Makarski, Bruins Daily.

The potential to provide offense and energy is there with this trio as all three have something to prove. For Hayes, it’s proving to his hometown crowd that he can live up to the expectations as his childhood dream becomes a reality. With Spooner, he is eager to prove that he belongs as a full-time NHLer. Connolly, meanwhile, wants to shake off last year’s injury he suffered shortly after being acquired from the Lightning at the trade deadline and start with a fresh slate.

With a trio that features size, speed and quickness, the third line could provide the Bruins with a spark.

“It’s been good getting acquainted with [Spooner and Connolly]. We’re getting better and better every day,” Hayes said after Wednesday’s practice. “We just need to stick with the system and go day by day.”

That system Hayes is referring to is Claude Julien’s. It’s no secret that the ninth year Bruins bench boss loves to roll four lines and use the depth that he has to his advantage.

Following a rough season with his bottom six last year, Julien sees some potential with this year’s third and fourth lines. What they do with that potential, however, remains to be seen.

“I see the potential is what I see,” Julien said Wednesday. “It’s one of those things where a little chemistry developed with some new guys obviously on both the third and the fourth line. It depends on how well the chemistry works out and how well they can read off each other, but I think the potential is there. Again, giving the chance for them to show it and prove it…I do believe in that group, but I’d like to see it [out there] first.”