The Boston Bruins announced that they will retire the jersey number 37 of Patrice Bergeron at the start of the 2026‑27 season, a fitting tribute to a player whose two‑decade tenure reshaped the franchise.
Bergeron, who spent his entire NHL career in Boston after being drafted in the second round in 2003, leaves the organization as the team’s third‑highest point producer with 1,040 career points and second‑most playoff games played in franchise history.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Over 1,294 regular‑season games, Bergeron combined elite defensive skill with offensive reliability, earning six Selke Trophies — an NHL record for best defensive forward — and a reputation as the ultimate two‑way player.
His leadership was most visible during the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup run, where he captained the side for three seasons and scored the decisive game‑winning goal in Game 7 of the Final, ending a 39‑year championship drought.
Impact Beyond the Ice
Off the rink, Bergeron’s community work earned him the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2013, recognizing his dedication to charitable causes throughout New England and Quebec.
Teammates and rivals alike praised his mentorship; former captain Zdeno Chara often described Bergeron as his ‘co‑captain,’ reflecting the deep respect that defined the locker room culture.
The ceremony to retire his number will be scheduled later this season, with details to be released in the coming weeks. Fans can expect a special on‑ice presentation that honors not only Bergeron’s statistical achievements but also his lasting influence on the Bruins’ identity.
The organization also took the opportunity to thank longtime supporters, including the Jacobs family, whose stewardship has kept the Bruins at the heart of Boston’s sporting tradition.