Patrice Bergeron on his possible 2026 Hall of Fame induction

Patrice Bergeron stays humble: Although he was totally dedicated to supporting associates’ inductions into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday (together with ex-teammates Zdeno Chara and Joe Thornton), former Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron’s personal second being welcomed into the game’s hallowed establishment will not be far off.

Bergeron, 40, retired from his enjoying profession in 2023 after 19 seasons with the Bruins. Throughout that point, the perpetually beneficial centerman was a three-time All-Star, a six-time Selke Trophy winner, and a significant member of the 2011 Stanley Cup champions. He was additionally a two-time gold medalist enjoying for Canada on the Olympics.

His title headlines the class of 2026 players who will likely be eligible for Corridor of Fame induction for the primary time, and TSN hockey analysts Gino Reda and Pierre LeBrun couldn’t assist however speculate about Bergeron’s future.

Talking with the previous Bruin on Monday, they posed a easy query: Does Bergeron “permit his thoughts to go there” when it comes to his personal potential Corridor of Fame induction?

“No, in no way,” Bergeron mentioned in reply. “I really feel prefer it’s virtually like I don’t think about myself part of that group.

“I feel it’s arduous for me to consider that,” he mentioned of his personal candidacy. “But additionally on the identical time, I’m clearly right here to help [Zdeno], but additionally [Duncan Keith] and [Joe] for his or her wonderful careers. I’m simply completely happy to be part of this evening.”

Bergeron spoke in regards to the impression Chara had on him throughout their time overlapping in Boston.

“So many nice recollections. In the beginning was his management, the best way that he introduced himself day by day,” mentioned Bergeron. “His presence on the ice, his presence within the locker room, how he was dealing with the younger guys and new gamers coming in, and clearly instructing us about accountability and ensuring we had been caring for our our bodies on and off the ice.

“So it was fairly particular to create that bond with him, that friendship now,” Bergeron famous of Chara. “But additionally for him to be a mentor to me early in my profession was fairly wonderful.”

Chara, for his half, listed Bergeron by title in his speech.

“I need to thank Patrice Bergeron, one of many best leaders and other people I’ve ever met and performed with,” said Chara throughout his handle. “My longest teammate, my co-captain — Bergy, I may at all times rely on you. You confirmed me and helped me to change into a greater chief, participant, however extra importantly a greater individual.”

Trivia: Throughout his prolonged NHL profession, Patrice Bergeron made the Frank J. Selke Trophy — given yearly to the league’s greatest defensive ahead — his personal, successful it a report six occasions. Who ranks second on the listing of all-time Selke Trophy wins?

(Reply on the backside.)

Trace: He was a longtime fixture of the Bruins’ foremost rival and gained the award 4 occasions in a row from 1978-1981.

Scores and schedules:

The Bruins face the Maple Leafs tonight at TD Backyard, with the puck set to drop at 7 p.m.

The Celtics play the 76ers in Philadelphia at 8 p.m.

And on Thursday, the Patriots will host the Jets at 8:15 p.m.

Extra from Boston.com:

A group photograph: Patriots broad receivers had been stuffed with jokes in the course of the group’s annual photograph op.

On today: In 1987, the Celtics defeated the Pacers 120-106, with Larry Hen scoring 42 factors with 20 rebounds and 5 assists. The Bruins additionally bought a win, downing the Maple Leafs 3-2.

Elsewhere, Roger Clemens gained his second straight Cy Younger Award after going 20-6 with a 2.65 ERA.

Every day spotlight: From Sunday, David Rodriguez scored what’s already being known as the “icicle bicycle” in Atlético Ottawa’s eventual 2-1 win over Cavalry FC within the Canadian Premier League closing amid a snowstorm.

Trivia reply: Bob Gainey