Bruins to retire Patrice Bergeron's No. 37

The Boston Bruins announced on Thursday that they will retire Patrice Bergeron's No. 37 during the upcoming 2026-27 season. An exact date for the ceremony will be announced at a later time.

"To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honor that is difficult to put into words," Bergeron said in a statement. "When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day. I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates, learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning. I am especially grateful to my family for the sacrifices they made that allowed me to pursue my dream. This honor belongs to all of them as much as it belongs to me. To Bruins fans across New England, thank you for welcoming a young French Canadian and making this place feel like home. Every time I stepped onto the ice, I felt the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the Spoked-B, and I always tried to represent this organization and community the right way. I am deeply humbled and grateful to be connected to the history of the Boston Bruins. To know that No. 37 will forever be part of that history is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Originally drafted in the second round in 2003, Bergeron went on to play his entire 19-year career for the Bruins before retiring in July 2023. He ranks third in franchise history in games played (1,294), third in goals (427), fourth in assists (613) and third in points (1,040).

Bergeron helped lead the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years in 2011, including scoring two goals in Game 7 of the Cup Final in Vancouver. He and the Bruins went to two other Finals in 2013 and 2019.

Arguably the greatest defensive forward in NHL history, Bergeron won the Selke Trophy a record six times. He was a finalist for the award each of his final 12 seasons in the NHL, also a record.

Bergeron is one of 30 members of the "Triple Gold Club," having also won Olympic gold (2010, 2014) and an IIHF World Championship (2004) in addition to the Stanley Cup.

Bergeron will become the 14th Bruin to have his number retired. The most recent of those was longtime teammate Zdeno Chara, whose No. 33 went to the rafters in January.

Bergeron is expected to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year, in his first year of eligibility. This year's Hall of Fame class will be announced on Monday.

The Bruins released the following statements from team ownership and management as part of the announcement:

Owner and Governor Jeremy Jacobs:
“Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted. He was a deftly skilled playmaker and the undeniable greatest defensive forward in the NHL’s history. But it was the leadership he provided on the ice and in the locker room that made him truly stand apart and an all-time legend of the Boston Bruins.”

CEO Charlie Jacobs:
“Throughout his 20 years with the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron was the ultimate professional, demonstrating a unique blend of leadership, integrity, humility and class. Patrice consistently set the standard on and off the ice, becoming one of the best players in the game while demonstrating for the next generation what it meant to be a Bruin. As one of the greatest to ever wear the Black and Gold, it is only fitting that his No. 37 makes its way to the Garden rafters.”

President Cam Neely:
"Across his remarkable 20-year career, Patrice Bergeron established himself as one of the greatest two-way forwards the game has seen and as a cornerstone to one of the most successful periods of Bruins hockey in our franchise’s history. But what elevates Patrice even further is that he made us proud each and every time he pulled on the Spoked-B. He led with humility, integrity and respect for everyone around him, setting a tone of inclusivity and collaboration that was vital to our success. Patrice remains someone that our organization, our fans, our city and our sport can look up to. And now, we will all get to look up to the rafters and see No. 37 for generations to come, securing Patrice’s legacy as one of the very best to ever don the Black & Gold."