Adam McQuaid has found himself to be in a state this summer that, for him, is unusual.

He’s healthy.

Boston defenseman Adam McQuaid, bottom, was able to spend more time upright this offseason – his first in three years in which he did not have to have surgery of one type or another. Associated Press/Charles Krupa

That’s right, for the first time in three years, the oft-injured Bruins defenseman is not recovering from some sort of surgery in the offseason. It’s a nice change.

“Yeah, it’s a good start. Not being behind the 8-ball is good,” said McQuaid.

McQuaid discussed some offseason moves the Bruins made and those they didn’t – namely, securing another defenseman. Boston bought out Dennis Seidenberg, and Zach Trotman signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Kings, but the Bruins didn’t bring in veteran help.

It’s not what people expected, and McQuaid knows the defense will be under a microscope.

“I guess there’s going to be a lot of talk about the D-corps and uncertainties in different areas, but I’m looking forward to coming in and having a good training camp,” he said. “The guys I’ve talked to, everyone’s excited and look forward to a fresh start. I think even within the guys that we have, we can be better. It’s an important part of our team, not even just as a D-corps but as a team, having that defensive awareness and focus. But obviously there will be a focus on the defensemen themselves, and I guess there’s going to be a good challenge for us and opportunity for guys to step up.”

The re-signing of Kevan Miller was viewed as a surprise by some. Miller brings a lot of the same tools as the rugged McQuaid. And after signing McQuaid to a four-year deal last summer, Boston inked Miller to a similar four-year deal this offseason.

There was speculation that one of the two could be trade bait should any of the young prospect defensemen prove to be ready.

“I’m not really surprised by anything,” McQuaid said. “You’re not sure how things will play out. I wasn’t surprised (by the signing). In my opinion, Millsy’s underrated in a lot of ways and he’s a guy who continues to improve and a guy you appreciate having on your team. I guess those are the questions that everyone asks and people are wondering about. But at the same time, I think there’s a chance for both of us to continue to improve our game and hopefully be more well-rounded and grab the opportunity to play bigger minutes against tougher opposition.”

McQuaid gave a thumbs-up to the free agent signing of forward David Backes.

“I think he’s going to be a great addition to our team,” McQuaid said. “I don’t know him personally but I’ve heard him speak at different times and I like what he has to say. Obviously he’s a big body. We don’t play against St. Louis often, but I remember … him having hit me and I definitely felt it. It’s going to be nice to have a guy like that on our team.”

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