Bruins to Retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37

“Throughout his 20 years with the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron was the ultimate professional, demonstrating a unique blend of leadership, integrity, humility and class,” Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said in a statement. “Patrice consistently set the standard on and off the ice, becoming one of the best players in the game while demonstrating for the next generation what it meant to be a Bruin. As one of the greatest to ever wear the Black and Gold, it is only fitting that his No. 37 makes its way to the Garden rafters.”

Selected by the Bruins in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft, Bergeron spent the entirety of his career in Boston, skating in 1,294 games, and scoring 1,040 points with 427 goals and 613 assists across 19 seasons. He ranks third in franchise history in games played, goals, and points, and fourth in assists. He also ranks third in game winning goals (81), fifth in power play goals (131) and multi-assist games (109) and third in overtime points (25).

“To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honor that is difficult to put into words,” said Bergeron in a statement. “When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day. I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates, learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning. I am especially grateful to my family for the sacrifices they made that allowed me to pursue my dream. This honor belongs to all of them as much as it belongs to me. To Bruins fans across New England, thank you for welcoming a young French Canadian and making this place feel like home.”

Bergeron won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, and helped them reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2013 and 2019. While serving as the team’s captain during his final season in 2023, Bergeron and the Bruins won the Presidents’ Trophy, accumulating 135 points with a record of 65-12-5, setting the record for wins and points in a single season.

Widely regarded as one of, if not, the best defensive forward in the history of the NHL, Bergeron won the Selke Trophy six times throughout his career, and was nominated for the award in 12 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in NHL history. In addition to being a three-time NHL All-Star (2015, 2016, 2022) Bergeron also won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2021 for his exemplary leadership on and off the ice, as well as the King Clancy Memorial Trophy following the 2012-13 season for his commitments to the Boston community.

Bergeron’s number will be the 14th retired by the Bruins organization. Last season, the club retired the No. 33 of Bergeron’s long-time teammate, Zdeno Chara.

The two spent 14 years playing together in Boston, guiding the Bruins through the most successful era in their more than century-long history. When it came time for the Bruins to bestow Bergeron with the highest honor they possibly could, it was Chara who delivered the news.

Along with all his accomplishments with the Bruins, Bergeron is highly decorated on the international stage. The L’Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec native won Olympic Gold twice in 2010 and 2014, an IIHF World Championship in 2004, and represented Canada in the 2017 World Cup of Hockey.

News of Bergeron’s number retirement is just the first of what is believed to be many signs of recognition for his remarkable career. When the Hockey Hall of Fame announces its Class of 2026 this coming Monday, Bergeron is expected to headline the group of inductees as a first-ballot selection.