Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said Sunday morning that he expects defenseman Adam McQuaid, who is recovering from blood clot surgery, to play in next Saturday’s season opener against the Rangers.

McQuaid, who underwent the surgery for a blood clot under his collarbone in October, has been skating with teammates as he’s gotten his strength back. Judging by how he looked on the ice in informal practices at Boston University, he had appeared to have lost weight.

“He’s ready to play. He’s cleared to play now,” Chiarelli said. “I don’t know what level of contact he can take — I haven’t talked to our docs yet — but I think he’s completely ready to play.”

Asked whether he’ll be in the lineup next Saturday, Chiarelli replied, “I would assume so, unless he stinks out there.”