Bruins to retire Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 during 2026-27 season

Patrice Bergeron will forever be remembered in Boston.

The Bruins made sure of it, announcing the forward’s No. 37 will be retired during the upcoming 2026-27 season.

“Throughout his 20 years with the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron was the ultimate professional, demonstrating a unique blend of leadership, integrity, humility and class,” said Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs in a statement. “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. As one of the greatest to ever wear the Black and Gold, it is only fitting that his No. 37 makes its way to the Garden rafters.”

Bergeron spent his entire 19-season NHL career with the Bruins after being taken 45th overall in 2003. Before retiring in 2023, the L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que., native played in 1,294 regular-season games, posting 427 goals and 613 assists. He was the fourth player in franchise history to record at least 1,000 points.

The now 40-year-old also ranks third in franchise history in games played, goals and points while sitting fourth in assists. His 14 20-goal seasons are the second-most in franchise history, while he leads the Bruins all-time in shootout goals (25).

“To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honour that is difficult to put into words,” said Bergeron in a statement. “When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day. I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates, learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning. I am especially grateful to my family for the sacrifices they made that allowed me to pursue my dream. This honour belongs to all of them as much as it belongs to me.”

Throughout his NHL career, which included captaining the Bruins from 2020 to 2023, he took home the Selke Trophy a record six times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023) and was nominated for the award in 12 consecutive seasons. Bergeron also sits third all-time in league history for face-off wins (14,837).

The three-time all-star helped the Bruins take home the franchise’s sixth Stanley Cup in 2011, and made two more Final appearances with the team in 2013 and 2019. He shares the NHL record for most Game 7 appearances (14) with fellow Boston great Zdeno Chara, and ranks second in Bruins franchise history with 170 playoff appearances. Bergeron’s 128 points (50 goals, 78 assists) in the post-season are tied-third for Boston all-time.

In his final NHL season, Bergeron led the Bruins to the Presidents’ trophy as the team set an NHL single-season record for wins (65-12-5) and points (135). He finished that season with 27 goals and 31 assists for a plus-35 mark that led all Boston forwards.

His No. 37 will be the 14th number to be retired in franchise history, joining Chara (33), Willie O’Ree (22), Rick Middleton (16), Cam Neely (8), Terry O’Reilly (24), Ray Bourque (77), Phil Esposito (7), Johnny Bucyk (9), Bobby Orr (4), Milt Schmidt (15), Eddie Shore (2), Aubrey Clapper (5) and Lionel Hitchman (3).

“To Bruins fans across New England, thank you for welcoming a young French Canadian and making this place feel like home,” Bergerson added. “Every time I stepped onto the ice, I felt the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the Spoked-B, and I always tried to represent this organization and community the right way. I am deeply humbled and grateful to be connected to the history of the Boston Bruins. To know that No. 37 will forever be part of that history is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”