After what has happened in 2020 and 2021, Boston fans most likely are afraid of losing another star. Currently the Bruins’ captain, Patrice Bergeron’s career is closer to the end than the beginning. That does not mean he’s showing signs of slowing down though. But father time catches up to everyone, no one can play hockey forever.
If there was any athlete in Boston you could rely on, its Patrice Bergeron. The phrase “Bergeron’s having a bad game” is hardly ever spoken. No matter the situation, Bergeron will always give 100%. The example that is constantly brought up with Bergeron is when he played in the 2013 Stanley Cup Final with a myriad of injuries, including a punctured lung.
One of, if not, the best face-off men in the NHL, Bergeron gets respect from everyone in the NHL. Talk with any NHL player, and many of them would express how they look up to Bergeron. He has been an invaluable member to the Boston Bruins. His leadership in the locker room and play on the ice is irreplaceable.
Another phrase that is never really spoken is “Bergeron is past his prime.” In 2021, Bergeron scored 23 goals and 25 assists from 48 total points in 53 games. He even had his highest season face-off percentage of his career at 62.2%. It really is no wonder why those who follow the NHL have so much respect for Bergeron’s play.
Patrice Bergeron lines up for a face-off against the Islander’s Casey Cizikas. (Via CBS Boston)
The 36-year-old center has been one of the driving forces behind Boston’s stellar stretch this decade. Even at points when the Bruins were struggling, Bergeron was always doing his best to lift the team up. It was no surprise that when Zdeno Chara left Boston before the 2021 season, Bergeron was named captain. The “C” on Bergeron’s jersey seemed like a natural fit the first time it appeared on his chest.
Patrice Bergeron’s contract is set to expire after the 2022-2023 season. The Bruins and Bergeron have already reportedly been discussing a contract extension. But for how long will that contract even be? Bergeron certainly would want to retire a Bruin and he certainly does not think his career is close to an end.
His play clearly shows that his career is indeed not close to the end, but his age absolutely does. However, his age does not mean he will be completely done by the time he turns 40. Bergeron is a type of player that will play until his body gives out, and he most likely will remain a great player for sometime. Just like Tom Brady, Bergeron is a Boston athlete that only seems to continue to play at a high level, even as he continues to age.
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