(Nashville) It is the scenario of the summer of 2022 which repeats itself: will Patrice Bergeron announce his retirement or will he play for another season with the Boston Bruins?
We would have gladly taken advantage of the NHL awards ceremony in Nashville to ask the question of the principal concerned, who won a sixth Selke trophy on Monday, awarded to the defensive forward par excellence… but the Quebecer did not the trip to Tennessee. Instead, he stayed with his wife, who is about to give birth to the couple’s fourth child. No one will be found to blame him for this decision.
The journalists nevertheless tried to find out more by questioning Jim Montgomery, head coach of the Bruins, who is himself nominated for the Jack-Adams trophy rewarding the driver of the year.
His spontaneous response on the future of his captain: “I don’t know. »
“He’s a special player, we would like to see him back in Boston, but it will remain his decision,” said the Montreal native. He is a great leader for our team. I don’t have enough words to describe his importance to the Boston Bruins, his teammates and me. »
At this time last year, Bergeron was engaged in the same reflection. It wasn’t until August that the team announced his return, after he signed a contract valid for one season.
Will he follow this path again? “It’s up to him,” Montgomery repeated. He will make the best choice for himself and his family. As I know him, he will also make the best choice for the Bruins. That’s how he thinks. »
What is certain is that we will welcome him with open arms if he wishes to give himself another chance to win the Stanley Cup, especially after the Bruins’ disappointing end to their run in the first round of the playoffs.
“I told him that if he wanted to play 60 games, 40 games or 10 games, I’ll take it! “concluded the coach.
Sixth Selke
Back or not, Bergeron remains the undisputed king of defensive forwards on the circuit.
He was presented with the sixth Selke Trophy of his career, a second in a row. He continues to improve on the record he already holds.
Five against five, in 2022-2023, he found himself on the ice for only 18 goals of the opponent in 78 games. As such, no one has done better than him among the 252 attackers who have played at least 800 minutes. He was also dominant in the face-off circle, with 61.1% success.
In a pre-recorded video, Bergeron paid tribute to his teammates and loved ones. He concluded with a few words thanking “family and friends in Quebec”.
The Selke Trophy is awarded following a vote held by a group of journalists assigned to NHL activities. Bergeron scored 1,914 points, more than double Nico Hischier (804), his closest pursuer. Mitch Marner finished third.
Bergeron also received 187 first-place votes out of a possible 196.