Patrice Bergeron is 36 years-old and still one of the best players in the NHL. Last season, he picked up 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) in 54 games and led all Bruins forwards in blocked shots (36).
Early last month, it was reported that the Bruins and Bergeron began to talk about a contract extension as he enters the final year of an 8-year deal. According to GM Don Sweeney, his captain is in the driver’s seat when it comes to how long he still wants to play.
“Patrice and Kent Hughes, his representative, and I have had discussions about where Patrice is at,” Sweeney said. “We’ll keep those private as we do all the others and let him decide what path he wants to take. Obviously, it’s a completely open door for how long Patrice wants to play the game for us, and we’ll leave it at that.”
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On Wednesday, Bergeron spoke with the media and it appears all that is now on hold.
Bergeron won’t talk extension this season
“I’m going to play out this year, and then talk about that after,” Bergeron said yesterday. “That’s something that a lot of people have asked me this summer. I think for me, the way that I approach this year is I want to concentrate on this year. I have a year left on my contract, and I think it’d be useless of me to think about the future.”
So what does that mean for the 18 year NHL veteran? The Bruins are the only team he’s ever known. Does he call it a career, or maybe take one last shot with one of the top contenders for the Cup in 2022-23?
Bergeron still has a lot to give as he was a finalist for the Selke Award, and winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award this past season.
It’s certainly enough to keep Boston engaged in trying to extend him, but also for other teams to prepare offers for him if he hits UFA status.
Bruins named Bergeron captain after Zdeno Chara’s departure
When Chara was not brought back there was clearly only one choice as to who would take on the captaincy. Patrice Bergeron was the perfect selection.
“There have been some tremendous captains and leaders along the way and some legends of the game,” Bergeron said. “It’s an absolute honor. I’m going to try and keep bettering myself and keep learning and leading by example, but also trying to be me.”
Coming off a season where he scored 56 points in 61 games, Bergeron was the unquestioned leader in the locker-room heading into 2020-21. He led his team to the playoffs again, and continues to be the face of the franchise as they embark on a new season.
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