Full Breakdown
Boston Bruins to Retire Patrice Bergeron's No. 37
6/18/2026, 11:43:43 PM
Bergeron's Number to Join Bruins' Rafters
The Boston Bruins announced that they will retire forward Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 jersey during the 2026-27 NHL season. The exact date and time of the ceremony will be released after the league publishes its schedule. Bergeron’s number will become the 14th in franchise history to be raised to the TD Garden rafters.
Background & Context
Bergeron was selected 45th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and made his debut on October 8, 2003. He spent his entire 19-season career (2003-2023) with Boston, serving as captain from the 2020-21 season through his retirement in July 2023. The Bruins have previously retired numbers for Eddie Shore (2), Lionel Hitchman (3), Bobby Orr (4), Aubrey “Dit” Clapper (5), Phil Esposito (7), Cam Neely (8), Johnny Bucyk (9), Milt Schmidt (15), Rick Middleton (16), Willie O’Ree (22), Terry O’Reilly (24), Ray Bourque (77) and Zdeno Chara (33).
Career Highlights & Statistics
Bergeron appeared in 1,294 regular-season games, recording 427 goals, 613 assists and 1,040 points, placing him third in franchise history for goals, points and games played and fourth in assists. He logged fourteen 20-goal seasons (tied for second most), led the team in shootout goals (25) and game-deciding shootout goals (10), and holds the Bruins record for face-off wins (14,837) with a 57.9 % career win rate, ranking third all-time in the NHL. He won the Selke Trophy a record six times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023) and was nominated for twelve consecutive seasons. Internationally, he joined the Triple Gold Club with Olympic golds (2010, 2014), a 2004 World Championship and a 2011 Stanley Cup, scoring two goals—including the winner—in Game 7 of that final.
Official Statements & Responses
Owner Jeremy M. Jacobs described Bergeron as a “rare, generational talent” and “the undeniable greatest defensive forward in NHL history,” emphasizing his leadership on and off the ice. CEO Charlie Jacobs called him “the ultimate professional” whose blend of leadership, integrity, humility and class set the standard for future players. President Cam Neely highlighted Bergeron’s status as “one of the greatest two-way forwards” and a cornerstone of the Bruins’ recent success. Bergeron, in a team-issued statement, said the honor was “difficult to put into words” and credited teammates, coaches, staff and his family for his achievements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Owner Jeremy Jacobs didn’t hold back on what Bergeron meant to the organization in the team’s release: “Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted.” — Jeremy M. Jacobs, Owner and Governor
- “To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honor that is difficult to put into words.” — Patrice Bergeron, former captain
- “Across his remarkable 20-year career, Patrice Bergeron established himself as one of the greatest two-way forwards the game has seen and as a cornerstone to one of the most successful periods of Bruins hockey in our franchise’s history,” — Cam Neely, President
- “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.” — Charlie Jacobs, CEO
Fan Reactions
Social-media commentary was largely supportive, with many fans declaring Bergeron “the most deserving” and urging that the Selke Trophy be renamed. A minority expressed skepticism, suggesting jersey retirements have become “watered down” and questioning why other Bruins, such as goaltender Tim Thomas, have not received similar honors.
On-the-Ground Reports
Former teammates Johnny Bucyk, Cam Neely, Rick Middleton and Terry O’Reilly visited Bergeron’s home to reveal the retirement news. Zdeno Chara and Ray Bourque contributed video messages congratulating him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on total games played: some list 1,294 regular-season games, while others cite 1,464 games including playoffs. The precise ceremony date remains pending pending the NHL schedule release.
What’s Next
The Bruins will announce ceremony details once the 2026-27 schedule is published. The retirement will add Bergeron’s No. 37 to the exclusive list of Bruins legends whose numbers adorn the TD Garden rafters.
