Brad Marchand discusses Patrice Bergeron's future

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Dorin Canaday
May 17, 2022 (12:46)

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There are not many current players in the league that have played together as long as Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. The two have been lacing them up for the Boston Bruins since Marchand made his debut in the 2009-10 NHL season (13 years).

Other current players that come to mind are Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks (14 years), Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals (15 years), and of course, the trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins (16 years).

All the focus right now surrounding the Bruins is the future of its captain Bergeron, whose contract is set to expire on July 1st. The veteran has yet to make a decision, but he was reiterated that he would rather retire than leave Boston for another team. Every one of his teammates has had his back in the talks of him staying or going, including his longest-running mate Marchand, who spoke to the media regarding Bergy's future.

He was asked about his feelings after being eliminated from the playoffs:

"It was disappointing with the uncertainty of Bergy's last year. I was kind of hoping to make an easy decision on him this summer and go out on top. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, but it just would've been nice to be able to make that decision easy for him."

Marchand was also asked about the friendship that has blossomed between the two over the years:

"It started out as a business relationship. He had to put up with me for the first couple of years, and I got to watch one of the best in our game do his this on and off the ice. How he takes care of himself, trains and prepares and how much he cares. We became really good friends. I owe so much of what I've been able to accomplish to him. Not just because of playing on the same line with him but just because of how great of a leader he is. How great of a person he is."

Brad Marchand was also asked about what he thinks of the future of Patrice Bergeron with the Boston Bruins. It's clear how much the captain means to the players, fans and entire Bruins organization. Let's hope he decides to come back for one last run at the Stanley Cup!

Here's Marchand's full media availability: