This morning, the Boston Bruins delighted their fans by announcing not only that David Krejci would be returning to the team in 2022-23, but also that Patrice Bergeron would also be returning for another season with the team.
And clearly, it was a big day for Don Sweeney, who also agreed with Pavel Zacha to avoid salary arbitration.
The Boston Bruins have re-signed forward Pavel Zacha to a one-year, $3.5 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration. pic.twitter.com/RmeS01Xwar
—Complete HkyNews (@CompleteHkyNews) August 8, 2022
But of course, the biggest piece of all this is without a doubt the return of Bergeron, who is the first centre-back, the captain, the heart and soul of this team. Losing Bergeron would have hurt the Bruins a lot.
In recent months, there have been rumors that Bergeron could be a CH target this summer given that his former agent, Kent Hughes, is now the Canadiens’ general manager. Personally, I never believed it, but it spread.
At a news conference today, Bergeron was asked if Hughes had tried to lure him to Montreal. And his answer is quite clear:
(Kent Hughes) has known me for 20 years, so he knows me well enough to know that the Bruins were the only team he wanted to play for. –Patrice Bergeron
I asked #NHLBruins Captain Patrice Bergeron if your former/current agent #GoHabsGo GM Kent Hughes tried to lure him to Montreal:
“He’s known me for 20 years, so he knows me well enough to know that the Boston Bruins is the only place he wanted to be.”@BOSHockeyNow @MTLhockeynow
—MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) August 8, 2022
If we trust the words of the main interested party, therefore, Hughes probably did not even dare to call him to ask if he was interested in playing with the CH. And honestly, it’s really no more serious than that.
The Habs are currently under reconstruction. Barring a titanic upset, the team will still languish at the bottom of the standings next year. So what’s the benefit of bringing a guy like Bergeron to town, who’s 37 years old and may be in his final year in the NHL?
Aside from ticket and jersey sales, there aren’t really any in terms of hockey, both for the CH and for the player, who wants to try to win another Stanley Cup (hence his decision to take out less money to stay in town).
Patrice Bergeron: “We are making more money than we could have ever dreamed of. If I can leave something on the table to keep the team competitive, it can make a big difference. This is how I want to play: win, be successful.”
— Simon O. Lorange (@SO_Lorange) August 8, 2022
At the limit, a guy like 35-year-old Kris Letang would have made a little more sense than Bergeron for CH (especially since Letang signed a six-year deal, suggesting he’s ready for a long-term commitment). But even there, it was a bit far-fetched (although in Letang’s case, I confess to briefly believing it).
But in short, Bergeron stays where he belongs, and that’s perfect. Hopefully he can continue to be the standout defensive center he has been for years.
A lot of
– Colleague Mitch Giguère joins the coaching staff of the Carabins women’s hockey team. Great news!
The decision to leave professional hockey was not an easy one, but the decision to join the @carabines it will have been easy thanks to @coachdaniele and Isabella.
Here is my next adventure that will be sure to bring high level hockey and family together https://t.co/JgoCnSDuwV
— Mitch Giguere (@Mitch_Giguere) August 8, 2022
– Good read on Connor Bedard.
On Connor Bedard, the best prospect to ever come out of Western Canada, the evolution of the shot and his roots in North Vancouver: https://t.co/QsaIXFMRTZ pic.twitter.com/vyeybTMueR
—Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) August 8, 2022
– Rain delays the start of the competition at the National Bank Open (in Montreal).
🎾 Not the desired start of the main draw in Montreal. The first games will not start before 3:00 p.m. (rain).
— Alexander Pratt (@alexandrepratt) August 8, 2022
– He’s the best pitcher in the world.
After a solid first start, yesterday he took a scoreless, hitless game into the sixth inning.
The best pitcher in the world is back. https://t.co/g2qx5CVpWr
— MLB Passion (@passion_mlb) August 8, 2022
– I am sorry?
Did you know that there are Excel World Championships? And what was shown on television? Yes Yes. #ESPN8 #The eight #Standing outhttps://t.co/FfIqamFTq7
—Michel Laprise (@MLapriseRDS) August 8, 2022
#Patrice #Bergeron #Kent #Hughes #play #Boston