Patrice Bergeron is still juggling retirement and playing another season with the Bruins

< /p> UPDATE DAY

BOSTON | One presence at a time. One game at a time. One season at a time. There are a lot of clichés with these expressions in the world of hockey, but for Patrice Bergeron the reality of one season at a time remains his motto. 

At 37 years old, Bergeron walks the fairways of the back nine on a golf course to recycle an expression from Jim Montgomery during his press conference the day after a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden.

Last August, the five-time Frank-Selke Trophy winner signed a one-year contract with the Bruins at a salary of 2.5 million, but with the possibility of adding another 2.5 million with bonuses.

Bergeron has never regretted his decision to pursue the adventure in Boston for another season.

“We often talk about wanting to take advantage of it and staying in the present moment,” he told the two journalists from Quebec in the locker room of the Bruins training center. When you live a season like this year, it adds to your pleasure. There are always ups and downs in a season, but this year there were not many downs. We haven't had a low, but we've always worked on our game to improve. “

“When you get older, you appreciate the little things even more, he continued We stay in the present moment. This year is fun. It is a pleasure to come to the arena every day. »

Plans to be defined

The notion of pleasure often came up in the discussion with the captain of the Bruins. When asked if he had this pleasure strong enough to immediately decide on his future, he opted for wisdom, not closing the door on a return or a retreat.

“Hockey is something I will always love,” he explained. You would tell me that when I'm 55 and I'll say that I still like acting. Wanting to play another (season) is always something you want. But from the beginning, I talk about the present moment. I'll think about it in due time. »

With a one-year contract, Bergeron also has control of his destiny.

“For both sides, you can reassess a lot of things. I can think about my involvement with the team. I want to experience the season and make the most of it. With a one-year contract, I can do that even more since I don't think about the future.

A big one

With 55 points in 70 and numbers to win another Selke Trophy, Bergeron still has gas in his tank. But next June, he will become a dad for the fourth time. He will also want to devote time to this family.

In Boston, the number 37 has already left its mark on the youngest.

“No one is better than Bergie, has said defenseman Charlie McAvoy. Bergie is an amazing human. Anyone who has had the chance to know him personally knows that he is a gentleman, who comes out the best in all. I feel blessed to say he is a friend. »