With the sting of a Game 7 loss still fresh for most of the Bruins’ players, and indeed for veteran Patrice Bergeron, it was too early to have one of the great centers in franchise history divulge any clues as to whether he’d be sticking around or not. Media and fans want to know what’s next, and even if Bergeron already knows, he wasn’t about to discuss the topic in a post-media available just minutes after the Bruins were eliminated in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Related: Bruins Rethinking Willingness to Trade Jake DeBrusk
Brad Marchand offered a slight hint in his very emotional response when asked about this teammate and Bergeron’s eventual need to make a free agency decision. Marchand said, “Whatever happens, he’s earned the right to make whatever decision he wants and take the time he needs. I guess time will tell.” That’s as close as anyone would get to suggesting Bergeron wouldn’t be back and Bergeron himself said it’s “too raw” to decide whether he’s coming back right now.
Patrice Bergeron Boston Bruins NHL
He added, ”Obviously I’m going to have to think about it. But I’m not there right now.” The likelihood is, he’s already thought about it. The question now is, does a first-round elimination change whatever he might have been thinking? Perhaps if the Bruins had gone further, he’d have felt a sense of accomplishment and would have been ready to move onto a new, and potentially final chapter in his NHL career. Conversely, if the Bruins had gotten further, perhaps he’d elect to stick it out and finish his career as a Bruin. One will never know.
All that is known right now is that the 36-year-old does not have a contract for next season and he’s probably not ready to retire. Bergeron has spent his entire 18-year NHL career with the Bruins and there are whispers he might make a jump to the Montreal Canadiens, where he has some close ties with some important people in that organization.
What Else Is On Bruins’ To-Do List?
Questions about Bergeron aren’t the only questions the Bruins will have to answer. Something will need to be figured out when it comes to the future of Jake DeBrusk and his trade request. He still wants to be moved, even though he played extremely well for the Bruins at the end of this season.
The team already needs more scoring and if DeBrusk goes, the Bruins really have to prioritize adding more depth. Could names like Vincent Trocheck, Nazem Kadri, Andrew Copp, and Max Domi be potential targets?
Beyond that, David Pastrnak will need a new contract at the end of next season. Is it time to start talking about a long-term extension?
Next: Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 2-1 Loss to the Lightning
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