What happened: The game will be Brown's first regular-season appearance in Boston since moving to Philadelphia. He is also scheduled to visit for a preseason matchup on Oct. 10.

Why it matters: Brown's exit ended a 10-season run in Boston, adding weight to the 2026-27 matchup. The preseason date comes first, but the January meeting counts in the standings.

What to watch: The 2026-27 season will determine how much standings weight the January reunion carries.