On this newest version of Boston Bruins Information & Rumors, Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron introduced his retirement in immensely elegant style. Additionally, as Bergeron formally hangs up his skates, all eyes can be on David Krejci’s resolution for the 2023-24 season. Let’s talk about that and extra in at this time’s Bruins Information and Rumors (July 25).
Bergeron broadcasts his retirement
Only a day after his thirty eighth birthday, Bergeron introduced his retirement from the NHL. Bruins followers had been hoping the star heart would return for another season, however now now we have affirmation that will not occur. As a substitute, the veteran is able to grasp up his skates, and he is completed greater than sufficient for the group to take action.
Bergeron will perpetually be remembered as one of many best Bruins in franchise historical past. He was the proper chief each on and off the ice, and he can be sorely missed by the Boston roster for his elite two-way play. Throughout his 19-year profession, the longer term Corridor of Famer had 427 targets, 613 assists, 1,040 factors and a plus-289. With that, he received the Selke Trophy six instances (an NHL file), the NHL Plus-Minus Award (2012), the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (2013), the NHL Basis Participant Award (2014), and the Mark Messier Management Award (2021).
An announcement by Patrice Bergeron.
📰: https://t.co/UWDGPWtDX9 pic.twitter.com/XNrczEVnJO
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 25, 2023
It is exhausting to imagine the Bergeron period is over in Boston, but it surely was merely a magical journey. He’ll all the time be remembered for serving to the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and being an intergenerational ahead. Count on #37 to hold within the rafters within the close to future.
Bruins’ want for Krejci’s return has grown
Now that Bergeron has determined to stop, one has to marvel what Krejci’s plans are for the 2023-24 season. The longtime Bruins heart is unquestionably somebody Boston wish to convey again, and the necessity for him to return is bigger since Bergeron is not returning. Nevertheless, on the identical time, may Bergeron’s departure trigger Krejci to additionally retire or go abroad?
Krejci confirmed final season that he is nonetheless an efficient top-six heart, and the reality is in his stats. In 70 video games with the Bruins that yr, the 37-year-old had 16 targets and 56 factors. If he decides to return, he would ease the sting of Bergeron’s retirement a bit, and he would probably function a frontline heart. We’ll have to attend and see what he finally decides.
Doable targets of the Free-Agent Heart
With Bergeron formally retired, the Bruins might also contemplate having a look on the free agent marketplace for one other heart. Though no participant at present obtainable is a authentic substitute for Bergeron, it will be sensible to enhance their depth within the center. Some potential names that might make sense embody Pius Suter, Paul Stastny, Eric Staal and Colin White. Nevertheless, they may first have to signal Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic for his or her new offers earlier than doubtlessly going that route.
Associated: Bruins Information & Rumors: Star Commerce Targets, DeBrusk & Bergeron
Newest information and highlights
Suter spent final season with the Detroit Pink Wings, the place he scored 14 targets and 24 factors in 79 video games performed. Though it was a down yr for him offensively, his defensive recreation improved noticeably and he turned a notable a part of Detroit’s shorthanded due to it. On an affordable one-year deal, he might be a participant price taking a flier.
Stastny could be an excellent veteran so as to add to Boston’s present roster. Though the 37-year-old’s days as a top-six striker are over, he’s nonetheless efficient in a bottom-six function. In 73 video games final season with the Carolina Hurricanes, he had 9 targets and 22 factors. Nonetheless, noting that he had 45 factors in 71 video games the earlier yr with the Winnipeg Jets, maybe a rebounding marketing campaign might be within the playing cards for him in 2023-24.
Staal had a strong yr enjoying within the last six minutes for the Panthers final season, posting 14 targets and 29 factors in 72 video games. Much like Stastny, his finest days are over, however he’s a good choice to contemplate giving a league minimal contract to.
White, in the meantime, had 15 factors in 68 video games with the Panthers. Perhaps becoming a member of his hometown group may assist flip the tide. Keep in mind, it is a participant who has had success within the NHL.
