With the Boston Bruins eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes, captain Patrice Bergeron might've played his final NHL game.
The 36-year-old, who does not have a contract for next season yet, was asked about his future after the Game 7 loss, but said it was "too fresh right now" to declare whether he would be back.
Speculation about Bergeron's began immediately after the game, via social media, when the captain was caught on camera embracing teammates as they left the ice. But, according to Conor Ryan of the Boston Sports Journal, these hugs are part of Bergeron's regular post-game routine.
Longtime teammate Brad Marchand was also asked about Bergeron's future, and while Marchand has pleaded his case for Bergeron to stay, he did admit that it's completely up to him to decide.
Bergeron has spent all 18 of his NHL seasons with the Bruins. He finished the regular season with 25 goals and 40 assists in 73 games while adding another three goals and four assists during the playoffs.
