Bruins captain and UFA Patrice Bergeron makes major announcement regarding his NHL career

Bergeron skated in 1,294 career NHL games, all with the Boston Bruins, who drafted him in the 2nd round (45th overall) back in 2003. Revered as one of the best two-way players of all time, Bergeron was able to rack up 427 career goals and 1,040 career points, all while racking up 6 Frank J. Selke Trophies, an award given to the NHL's top defensive forward each season.

The Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec native won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins back in 2011 and was a key contributor in their Stanley Cup run, having notched 6 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games that season. He finishes his career with 170 games of playoff experience, having racked up 50 goals and 128 career playoff points.

Bergeron's 613 career assists were 9th highest among active players in the NHL and 90th on the all-time list. His 1,040 points were also 9th highest among active players.

As Leaf fans, we are groomed to carry disdain and even hatred towards the Bruins, but as heated a rivalry as the Leafs/Bruins carry, even the most fiery Leaf fans can understand and acknowledge how important a player Bergeron was in his time in the league and how revered and respected he was among his peers.

All the best to Patrice on whatever comes next for him and congratulations to him on an exceptional NHL career.

You can find Bergeron's official statement included in the link below: