Bruins retire Patrice Bergeron's No. 37 jersey

The Boston Bruins announced on Thursday that they will retire the jersey number of former captain Patrice Bergeron during the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season. Bergeron's No. 37 will become the 14th number raised to the rafters of TD Garden, honoring a player who spent his entire 20-year career with the franchise from 2003 until his retirement in 2023.

In a statement, Bruins owner and governor Jeremy M. Jacobs called Bergeron a generational talent and the greatest defensive forward in NHL history, highlighting his leadership both on the ice and in the locker room as qualities that cemented his legacy. Bergeron expressed profound gratitude for the honor, stating it was difficult to put into words. He credited his teammates, coaches, the organization, and his family for his success, and thanked Bruins fans for making Boston feel like home.

Bergeron, drafted 45th overall by Boston in 2003, quickly established himself as a core player. His career was a model of consistency and two-way excellence, culminating in a record six Frank J. Selke Trophy wins as the league's best defensive forward. He was a central figure in the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup championship, ranking second on the team in...