In a move that was expected following Zdeno Chara’s departure, longtime center Patrice Bergeron was officially named the next captain of the Bruins on Thursday.
Bergeron, who is entering his 17th season in Boston, ranks third in team history in games played and game-winning goals and is fifth in both goals and assists. Among active NHL players, he’s third in plus-minus, ninth in playoff games, and 14th in points.
“For 16 seasons we have all watched Patrice grow not only into an elite player but also a tremendous leader,” Bruins President Cam Neely said in a release.