Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Friday he was still awaiting word from Patrice Bergeron as to whether the veteran captain would return next season.
“No update, other than Felix Bergeron was born," Sweeney told reporters, according to the team's website. "So, we welcomed a new member to the Bruins family with Patrice and Steph, and congrats to them.”
Sweeney was asked about the condition of Bergeron's wonky back and how much that was a factor in the decision.
"I’m sure that’s all part of (the) decision-making process for him," said Sweeney. "But we’ll await what his decisions are."
Before the 2022-23 season, the Bruins captain signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million in performance-based incentives.
The 37-year-old had 27 goals and 31 assists in 78 games for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Bruins this season. He also earned the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's top defensive forward, for a record-extending sixth time.
The Bruins set an NHL record for most points in the regular season but were victims of a stunning upset in seven games by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In an emotional post-game moment after the Bruins were officially eliminated, Bergeron took the time to hug every single one of his teammates before the team headed to the locker room.
Bergeron has 1,040 points (427 goals, 613 assists) in 1,294 games across his 19-year career with the Bruins.
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