Report: Bergeron to re-sign with Bruins, expected to ink 1-year deal

Patrice Bergeron isn't going anywhere.

The Boston Bruins captain has decided to re-up with the club and is expected to sign a one-year contract, reports the Worcester Telegram and Gazette's Joe McDonald.

Bergeron would've been one of the most coveted players on the market had he decided to test it this summer as an unrestricted free agent. The veteran center, who'll turn 37 in July, won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward for a league-record fifth time earlier this spring.

He had a stellar 2021-22 season despite his age. Bergeron collected 25 goals and 40 assists over 73 contests. The versatile forward was his typically dominant self in terms of possession and defense as well. He led all NHL forwards in defensive goals above replacement, expected defensive goals above replacement, and expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five.

Bergeron also ranked first in expected goals for percentage and scoring chances for percentage at five-on-five among the league's skaters who played at least 500 minutes in those situations.

He's spent his entire 18-year career with the Bruins, who drafted him 45th overall in 2003. Bergeron ranks fourth among the franchise's all-time leaders in goals, assists, and points. He sits third in games played and has worn the "C" for the last two seasons.

The future Hall of Famer helped Boston win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reach the final in both 2013 and 2019.

(Analytics sources: Evolving Hockey, Natural Stat Trick)