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Report: Patrice Bergeron to sign one-year contract |
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In what is turning out to be one of the organization’s more important off-seasons in recent memory, the Bruins can cross off one of their many tasks on their to do list: find a first line center.
According to Joe McDonald of the Worcester T & G, Patrice Bergeron will be back with the Bruins on a one-year contract for the 2022-23 season, his 19th in Boston.
Bergeron is recovering from elbow surgery he had earlier this month, he’s not expected to miss any time to start the season.
Given the Bruins current cap situation ($2.3 million according to cap friendly) it will be interesting to see what Bergeron’s cap hit lands at. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an incentive-heavy contract coming Bergeron’s way.
The Bruins do have some flexibility to start the season, as Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk will all land on LTIR to start the season after off-season surgeries.
What Bergeron’s decision means in terms of a rebuild remains to be seen. I’m all for one last kick at the can with Bergeron back in the mix.
But let’s be honest here. When you’re watching the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche battle it out for the Stanley Cup, do you feel the Bruins are anywhere close to either of those two teams?
The speed, the depth, the offensive firepower? The Bruins aren’t just a player or two away, they’re several.
Where the Bruins are in terms of being a true Stanley Cup contender is a discussion for later in the summer. Regardless, Bergeron back in Black and Gold is a win for everyone.
Bergeron’s on-ice production hasn’t slipped at all. The 65 points Bergeron had in 2021-22 was his highest since a 79-point campaign in 2018-19.
For the first time this off-season, the Bruins have some good news. Hopefully more is to come.
Bergeron is currently on vacation and will meet with general manager Don Sweeney sometime next week.
Boston Bruins Blogger • 
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