There was no better time for Philippe Lecavalier, Patrice Bergeron’s agentThe Bruins’ beloved forward takes a bowalthough he was still at his best.
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Whoever has been deputizing for the Bruins forward since Kent Hughes took over as the Canadian’s general manager has evidently known for some time that a retirement is imminent.
After the Bruins’ historic regular season and winning the sixth Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward in the industry, the stars were aligned. Lecavalier also assures that even the fishtail out during the playoffs didn’t make Bergeron think twice.
“He’d been thinking about it for quite a while, even thinking about it last year. This year was the good year. He wanted to retire on a good note after a dream regular season and another Selke Trophy.
“I don’t think the disappointment of the playoffs played a big part in his decision. His decision was mainly based on his physical and mental health, his family and the fine long career he had behind him. He wanted to come out stronger rather than retire downhill. It was time to move on to another chapter of his life,” he told the Journal.
Photo Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/AFP
The Pawned Body
Without going into details, the agent also mentioned that a build-up of injuries that wore the body down over time sent a clear signal to Bergeron.
“It would be a lie to say he doesn’t have sores all over him. The good news is that we’re not talking about serious injuries that will affect the rest of his life, but it can be tiring to constantly go to the arena and feel like you’re not 25 anymore. Everything became more difficult. If he had decided to keep going for a few years, it’s hard to imagine that it wouldn’t have had a long-term impact on his life.
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To the Hall of Fame
Bergeron will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2026. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where it could be ignored.
“It’s so deserved! I understand that I’m a little biased, but I dare to believe that he will be approved in the first year of his admission.
“The way Patrice thought about the game and the way he played it is extraordinary. We also have to take into account his game intelligence, his passion, his resilience… We forget how many difficult trials he endured with concussions early in his career. “It’s very difficult to achieve such consistency as a professional athlete over the years,” he said.
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No hood twist
If you’re crossing your fingers for Bergeron to reconsider his decision, don’t waste time lighting lanterns.
“Everything is possible in life… but I know Patrice well and my answer is that it is impossible for him to come back!” Everything he does is thoughtful and thoughtful. He’s always very rational and never acts out of emotion,” stressed Lecavalier, who doesn’t think his foal will have time to get bored with his four children.
“I experienced the situation with my brother (Vincent Lecavalier). I spoke to Patrice about it. There are people who saw my brother after he retired and thought he would be depressed. However, when he retired, he was glad because it was given some thought, as is the case with Patrice.