Patrice Bergeron returns to Bruins on one-year deal
Anthony Scultore
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The Boston Bruins announced the return of Patrice Bergeron with a one-year deal on Monday. Terms of the contract comes with a $2.5 million salary and bonuses for up to an additional $2.5 million.
Bergeron, 37, completed an 8 year-deal with a cap hit of $6.75 million in July. The Bruins captain recorded 65 points in 73 games this past season.
He also won a record setting fifth Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward, previously winning the award in 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17. Bergeron dominated in the face-off circles with a league-leading 61.9%.
Bergeron was tied with Bob Gainey, who won it four straight times with the Montreal Canadiens from 1978-1981.
Patrice Bergeron back with Bruins
After the season ended, there was speculation that Bergeron may retire. That uncertainty was only increased after having elbow surgery in early June.
“What [the surgery] did only is it just delayed my decision-making process,” Bergeron said. “I’ve said I needed time, and I still think I have a lot of time in front of me to make that decision, and I’m going to make sure that I take all the time that I need to make the right one.”
The procedure was a success with an estimated 10-12 weeks of recovery time. Bergeron is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Now that he’s back, Bergeron will look to add to his Selke winning record by going for a sixth.
Bergeron led the NHL in faceoffs won with 991, and finished second in faceoffs taken at 1,600 in 2021-22. He ranked also second among Bruins forwards in blocked shots with 45.
The award, voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, was presented to Bergeron by Doug Jarvis, a 1984 winner with the Washington Capitals.
“I want to thank the Bruins fans, you guys are incredible,” Bergeron said. “Thanks for giving us the extra jump we need some nights. And also to my wife (Stephanie Bertrand) and three beautiful kids, Zach, Victoria and Noah. Thanks for always being there for me no matter what.”
