Brad Marchand has annually been emotional when the Bruins’ season ends in the playoffs.
That moved to another level after Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Carolina in Game 7 when he was asked about whether he thought Patrice Bergeron would return in 2022-23.
Bergeron, who turns 37 in July, is a free agent and is reportedly considering retirement. Bergeron said it was too soon to make any plans after the game.
Marchand took a long pause and spoke with a shaken voice.
“He’s the backbone of our team,” said Marchand, who has been a longtime friend, teammate and linemate of Bergeron’s. “He’s obviously the biggest part of our team. So yeah, we want him to come back. Whatever happens, he’s earned the right to make whatever decision he wants and take whatever time that he needs. I guess time will tell.
“That’s a personal thing that he and his family are going to decide,” Marchand continued. “Obviously, I pushed my case on him to come back. If he ever wanted to open up and talk about it, that’s up to him, but I wasn’t going to press him.”
Marchand said the possibility of Bergeron not coming back next year added another layer to the frustration of this year ending.
“That’s why this one probably hurts more, the unknown for next year with him. He’s done so much for this group and sacrificed so much,” Marchand said. “It would have been nice to make a good run for him. So it’s disappointing.”
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