Bergeron not going to China, hoping to play in season opener

Patrice Bergeron isn't going to see the Great Wall, but he's aiming to be in the lineup this fall.

The Boston Bruins star center will not travel with the club to China for a pair of preseason games against the Calgary Flames, he told reporters including NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin on Friday.

Bergeron will stay back to continue his rehab following offseason surgery and is hoping to be ready for the team's season opener.

The four-time Selke Trophy winner underwent a groin procedure in June and was expected to be back at full strength by early August.

For what it's worth, he did take part in practice Friday.

The Bruins will face the Flames in China on Sept. 15 in Shenzhen, and on Sept. 19 in Beijing. Boston begins its regular-season schedule Oct. 3 on the road against the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.