Zdeno Chara left for Washington last year. David Krejci has gone home to the Czech Republic for this season. Tuukka Rask may or may not return to the Bruins at some point this season.
The turnover of the Bruins’ 2010s core has clearly already begun, but there remains one player Bruins fans don’t even want to think about potentially not having: Patrice Bergeron.
The 36-year-old Bergeron is preparing for his 18th season with the team, and his second as team captain. He is also now in the final season of an eight-year contract.
With Bergeron still one of the best two-way centers in hockey, Bruins fans would probably breathe a little easier if the two sides agreed to a one- or two-year extension before this season begins.
Don’t expect that to happen, though. Speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s Boston Bruins Foundation Golf Tournament at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, Bergeron said he is just focused on this season and is not thinking about or discussing any new contract beyond this year.
“That’s something that a lot of people have asked me this summer. I think that for me, the way I approach this year is that I want to concentrate on this year,” Bergeron said. “I have a year left on my contract. I think that it would be useless for me to think about the future.
“I want to create something special. We obviously want to work towards winning a Stanley Cup. I know everyone says that, but it’s definitely our goal as a team, is to be in that group of teams. So that’s where my focus is right now.”
Asked if he could potentially see himself signing a new deal during the season, Bergeron said, “I’m gonna play out this year, and then talk about that after.”
While that might sound a little too cryptic for comfort, Bruins fans shouldn’t be panicking just yet. At the end of this past season, Bergeron suggested he was now at a point in his career where he would be taking things year-to-year as it relates to his future.
If that’s the case, Bergeron playing out this season, making sure he still feels good at the end of it, and then signing a one-year deal next offseason could be the most likely path forward. That would be similar to what Chara did his last couple years in Boston, although it’s worth noting Chara actually signed those one-year deals late in the regular season.
Bergeron has battled a lingering groin injury for the last several years, but he said it actually held up well last season and feels good now as he prepares for this season.
“I probably shouldn’t talk about that -- I don’t want to jinx myself. But I feel good,” he said. “I feel healthy and confident. Mentally I’m excited. I want to play this year and have a good year as a team. Again, that’s where my focus is at, but I do feel great.”
Bruins fans will be hoping the team plays well, Bergeron stays healthy, and the two sides extend their relationship for a 19th season. But until a new contract actually gets signed, it looks like things are going to be at least a little open-ended.
