After what has felt like years, the Boston Bruins have finally announced what almost everyone knew was going to happen. The Bruins have re-signed their captain, Patrice Bergeron. Finally, if I do say so myself.
Bergy Is Back
After the Bruins fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in game 7 of round 1, the questions about Patrice Bergeron‘s future began. For about two months, rumors ran rampant. Some thought Bergeron had decided that it was time to hang up the skates. Others felt that he still had plenty of hockey left in him. With the firing of Bruce Cassidy earlier this off-season, the questions only intensified.
All those questions now, though, don’t matter, as Patrice Bergeron has officially been re-signed by Boston. Bergeron’s contract is just a 1-year deal for $2.5 million. Given Bergeron’s caliber of play this past season, Bergeron took a hometown discount. Which for Boston is excellent because they still have some cap space to play with.
What’s Next?
The Bruins now officially have their first-line center back. But the Bergeron questions were not the only ones this offseason. Pavel Zacha, for example, is still an RFA. And Bergeron wasn’t the only Bruins veteran center that had rumors circulating around them the past few months. David Krejci still has yet to announce his intentions for 2022-23.
This year, whether Bruins fans like it or not, is most likely the last chance the Bruins have at a cup run with this core. The Bruins do not have a lot of cap space right now, so do not be surprised if the Bruins make a move to load up before the season begins. With several key Bruins currently set to be injured at the start of the season, if the Bruins do make a trade, expect to see it within the next two months.
Hi, I’m RJ Oakley, the Bruins beat writer here at Belly Up Sports. Check back here and follow me on Twitter for news and discussion on the B’s. Be sure to follow Belly Up Hockey for all your NHL needs!
