Bruins' Bergeron to take time to reflect on retirement, played with herniated disc

One of the biggest questions revolving around the Boston Bruins' shocking upset to the Florida Panthers is Patrice Bergeron's future.

The future Hockey Hall of Famer, who will eventually see his number retired by the Bruins, said that he needed time before calling it a career. Bergeron told reporters post-game that he would discuss the situation with his family.

The 37-year-old centre also revealed that he was playing with a herniated disc in his back.

"Right now, it's hard to process anything. Obviously, we're shocked and disappointed," Bergeron said. "It hurts right now so I'm going to have to step back and give it some thought with my family."

In an emotional post-game moment, Bergeron took the time to hug every single one of his Bruins teammates before the team headed to the locker room for the final time of the postseason.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery described his time coaching Bergeron as an "incredible experience."

"I learned a lot from him this year. I hope to learn more next year," Montgomery said.

After coming back on one-year, team-friendly deals, both Bergeron and fellow veteran David Krejci will count for $1 million more towards Boston's cap hit than the $3.5 million they combined take up this season, thanks to the easily attainable bonuses built into their contracts.

Bergeron received $2 million for 10 games played and Krejci got $1 million for 10 games played, $500,000 for 20 games played and $500,000 for making the playoffs. The cap hit increase will apply to the 2023-24 Bruins even if the pair decides to hang 'em up this off-season.

Bergeron collected 1040 points (427 goals, 613 assists) in 1294 games across a 19-year career. He lifted one Stanley Cup in 2011 and won five Selke trophies.