Bergeron to play out final season of contract before deciding on future

With one year left on his contract, Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron isn't thinking too far ahead in regard to his hockey career.

"For me, the way that I approach this year, is I want to concentrate on this year," Bergeron said, per Boston Sports Journal's Conor Ryan. "I have a year left on my contract and I think it would be useless to think about the future."

Bergeron, 36, is entering the final season of the eight-year pact he agreed to with the Bruins in 2013. He's spent his entire NHL career in Boston and will begin his 18th season this upcoming campaign.

Last month, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney began initial discussions with Bergeron and said it's a "completely open door" for how long he wishes to play in Boston.

Bergeron told reporters his main focus is winning a Stanley Cup this upcoming season.

He added: "I'm going to play out this year and talk about that after."

In 1,143 career games with the Bruins, Bergeron has scored 375 goals and added 542 assists. He's been one of the league's premier two-way centers over the last decade. Last season, he recorded 23 goals and 25 assists in 54 contests.