Around the NHL: PTO Season Becomes Waiver Season

[Jim Bob]

It's Treliving, would you put it past him to have no plan at all?

I would not expect Grier to let the Leafs talk to Karlsson if there were no reasonable path forward.

 

[Jim Bob]

Report: Carolina Hurricanes closing in on one-year contract with Tony DeAngelo

DeAngelo is set to re-join the Hurricanes for a second stint in Carolina.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

 

[Tatanka]

Looking back on it, Bert was a unique player with a unique set of skills that will likely never be replicated.

My high school buddy back in the 70's drew a characterization of Gil. He had Gil holding a hockey stick with a small chain attached to it and the puck.

Once Bert had the puck, no one was taking it away from him. Opponents would back off and just try to shadow him.

There's no stat for this but I'm certain no one has ever displayed and completed (sucessfully) more end to end rushes than Gil.

The game was just played differently back then and he was a perfect fit for it. Today, he'd be told he's a hot dog and a selfish player....

Watching highlights of his rush's and weaves through opponents still brings a tear to my eye.......

Long winded post. About 8 years ago my goddaughter was honored at the St Joan of Arc Society ball in Pittsburgh for having amassed a certain number of volunteer hours, good grades etc. The ball was a black tie event and she asked if I would attend. About 600 attendees. I was adjusting my seat trying to get some leg room when the the guy behind me did the same and we clunked into each other. It was Mario, his daughter was also being honored. I introduced myself and said I was a huge fan and that he was the second greatest player I ever saw play in person. Somewhat stunned he asked who was the first? I said Gilbert Perreault. His eyes lit up and he smiled and said Gilbert was his idol. Every kid in Quebec wanted to be Gilbert. We talked for about 30 minutes or so and he even said his most valuable souvenir he ever got was and autographed stick signed by Perreault.

One of those random encounters that I will remember the rest of my life. Great individual.

 

[Zman5778]

TDA needs to give his agent a raise. How he got that much money out of Carolina is nuts. I figured he'd MAX get $1M.

 

[littletonhockeycoach]

Long winded post. About 8 years ago my goddaughter was honored at the St Joan of Arc Society ball in Pittsburgh for having amassed a certain number of volunteer hours, good grades etc. The ball was a black tie event and she asked if I would attend. About 600 attendees. I was adjusting my seat trying to get some leg room when the the guy behind me did the same and we clunked into each other. It was Mario, his daughter was also being honored. I introduced myself and said I was a huge fan and that he was the second greatest player I ever saw play in person. Somewhat stunned he asked who was the first? I said Gilbert Perreault. His eyes lit up and he smiled and said Gilbert was his idol. Every kid in Quebec wanted to be Gilbert. We talked for about 30 minutes or so and he even said his most valuable souvenir he ever got was and autographed stick signed by Perreault.

One of those random encounters that I will remember the rest of my life. Great individual.

Your story gave me a flash of goosebumps. Mario, Gretz, hell I'll bet half the Montreal team that won 4 Cups wished he was a Canadian.

Those games vs Montreal in that period were fantastic to watch. I'd watch HNIC and listen to Hodge and the rest of the crew just gush over Bert.

I particularly remember catching one while on travel to DC... 1984? 85? where Bert had it all going at his advanced near retirement age and the HNIC crew just kept telling everyone that this was Perreault at his finest.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

Watching the Perreault part of the top 100 and hearing Larry Robinson describe one of his rushes was jaw dropping. Larry basically admitting how terrifying the sight of Gil winding up had future HHOFers shaking in their skates

 

[Tatanka]

Your story gave me a flash of goosebumps. Mario, Gretz, hell I'll bet half the Montreal team that won 4 Cups wished he was a Canadian.

Those games vs Montreal in that period were fantastic to watch. I'd watch HNIC and listen to Hodge and the rest of the crew just gush over Bert.

I particularly remember catching one while on travel to DC... 1984? 85? where Bert had it all going at his advanced near retirement age and the HNIC crew just kept telling everyone that this was Perreault at his finest.

We talked about the Canada Cup when Bert LaFleur and Gretzky were on the same line and the fact that the other two were in constant amazement that Bert got them the puck in perfect scoring positions. He laughed and said these were the best players in the world playing pond hockey and Bert was schooling them. Great stuff.

 

[oldgoalie]

We talked about the Canada Cup when Bert LaFleur and Gretzky were on the same line and the fact that the other two were in constant amazement that Bert got them the puck in perfect scoring positions. He laughed and said these were the best players in the world playing pond hockey and Bert was schooling them. Great stuff.

I consider myself to be so lucky that I was able to catch the French Connection in their prime. Absolutely one of the most exciting lines to ever lace them up. And Perreault was a magician out there.

 

[Jim Bob]

Bergeron is hanging up his skates.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

Bergeron seemed to be a fairly classy player that unfortunately was a Bruin. Now the league is less without him, but F the Bruins

 

[Gabrielor]

Nothing but respect, great career.


Thank f***ing god. Between Bergeron and Brady, Boston has these evergreen superstars in my lifetime...

 

[Dingo44]

Bergeron is hanging up his skates.

Here's the actual statement without having to navigate Twitter:

A Statement from Patrice Bergeron | Boston Bruins

When I was around 12 years old a teacher asked everyone in my class to write about our dreams. For me, my dream was already clear: to become a professional hockey player.

www.nhl.com

When I was around 12 years old a teacher asked everyone in my class to write about our dreams. For me, my dream was already clear: to become a professional hockey player.

I was probably a little naive growing up, because in my mind this dream was never a question of if, but when it would happen. The path to making my dreams come true was not easy. I faced adversity and made so many sacrifices, but throughout it all my love for the game only grew and my determination to achieve my goals always remained strong.

For the last 20 years I have been able to live my dream every day. I have had the honor of playing in front of the best fans in the world wearing the Bruins uniform and representing my country at the highest levels of international play. I have given the game everything that I have physically and emotionally, and the game has given me back more than I could have ever imagined.
It is with a full heart and a lot of gratitude that today I am announcing my retirement as a professional hockey player.

As hard as it is to write, I also write it knowing how blessed and lucky I feel to have had the career that I have had, and that I have the opportunity to leave the game I love on my terms. It wasn't a decision that I came to lightly. But after listening to my body, and talking with my family, I know in my heart that this is the right time to step away from playing the game I love.

I also know that none of this was possible on my own, and I would like to humbly take this opportunity to acknowledge some people who helped me achieve my goals and who made my career so special.

From my minor hockey days in Quebec City all the way through major junior in Acadie-Bathurst, there were so many coaches, teammates and parents who helped me fall in love with hockey. Thank you for laying the groundwork on what became a lifelong passion.
In 2003, the Bruins drafted me, and from the moment I put my draft sweater on, everyone in the organization believed in me. I want to thank the Jacobs family, team management, coaches, trainers, support staff, team doctors and psychologists, scouts and TD Garden staff. The commitment of this group of people and constant support on and off the ice made wearing the Black and Gold so special every day.

One of the best parts of pulling on the spoked-B jersey is the incredible history of the franchise. The players that came before me always welcomed me with open arms and were always there with encouragement, to listen and help me better understand the tradition and responsibilities that come with playing for the Bruins.

While not always easy, I always tried my best to understand that part of being a professional hockey player included my responsibility to the media who helped tell our story to the fans. I enjoyed getting to know some of you personally over the years and I always appreciated being covered fairly and the job that the media did telling the story of our team.

Over the last 20 years I have had the honor of taking the ice with so many great teammates. I have tried to learn something from each and every one of you and I always tried to be the best teammate that I could be. I will never forget your trust, the laughs, the endless memories, the ups and downs, and ultimately the long lasting friendships. I will forever be grateful being a part of such an exceptional group of men, and I will carry the pride of winning in 2011 with me forever.

The amazing people of New England welcomed a young French Canadian who didn't speak great English and you treated me like one of your own. I can't imagine representing a better community or more passionate fan base than the Boston Bruins. Your passion, your dedication and your kindness towards me and my family will never be forgotten. Please know that every time I took the ice I tried to compete for you the right way, and off the ice I tried the best that I could to give back to the community that supported me. The connections and friends that my family and I have made here are unquantifiable. Boston is, and will forever be, a special place for me and my family.

There is only one other jersey that I ever wanted to wear, and that is the Canadian jersey. Representing my country at the highest level - especially winning Gold in Vancouver and Sochi are also some of my proudest moments. I would like to thank everyone who helped make those experiences possible.

Navigating life as a professional athlete is not easy, and my two agents, Kent Hughes and Phil Lecavalier, helped me find my way. Your guidance through the ups and downs of my career helped eliminate distractions and uncertainty so that I could focus on being the best player that I could be. I have also had a great team of professionals in Boston and Quebec who have been instrumental in both my physical and mental health, allowing me to reach my maximum potential.
Since day one, my friends and extended family in Quebec have been by my side. You guys know who you are. I remain so appreciative of your continued support.

To my mom, Sylvie and my dad, Gerard. It all started with you both, and your unwavering love. I couldn't have asked for better parents. What I have achieved, and who I have become, is because of you. The sacrifices that you both made for my goals are appreciated more than I can ever state. You guys have always believed in me and my dreams, even when no one else did. You always found the right way to help guide me in this journey with endless support.

To my brother Guillaume. It's hard to find words to explain our bond. You have been the biggest influence in my life and the best role model a little brother could hope for. My dream started by playing street hockey with you as young boys and you have been my number one fan every step of the way. I am forever thankful for all of your advice, words of encouragement and for always having time to simply listen to me.

To my wife Stephanie. Steph you're my rock. You put your career aside and allowed me to pursue my passion. Grateful is an understatement for my appreciation for your sacrifices. You always see the positive in every situation and your unconditional love means the world to me. Most importantly, you always see me as a husband and a dad before a hockey player. The kids and I are so lucky to have you. I love you.

To my wonderful kids Zack, Victoria, Noah and Felix. Daddy loves you so much. As I turn the page on this chapter of my life I am hopeful that through my experiences you realize that anything in your life is possible. Believe in your dreams and follow the voice inside you. Work endlessly for whatever it is that makes your eyes sparkle, and when times are tough, get back up and keep pushing. I'm the prime example that anything is possible and that amazing things happen when you believe in yourself and do what you love. Daddy will always be in your corner no matter where life takes you.
Finally, to the next generation of hockey players. I had a dream at 12 years old, and through hard work and perseverance my dreams came true more than I ever could have imagined. Respect the game and your peers. Welcome adversity and simply enjoy yourself. No matter where you go from there the game will bring you so much happiness.

As I step away today, I have no regrets. I have only gratitude that I lived my dream, and excitement for what is next for my family and I. I left everything out there and I'm humbled and honored it was representing this incredible city and for the Boston Bruins fans.

Sincerely yours,
Patrice Bergeron-Cleary

 

[Royal Thunder]

Massive respect for Bergeron the player and the human… but the rest of the Atlantic division is rightfully doing backflips over this. Their center depth is scary bad now

 

[sabresfan129103]

Good player, glad he's done because it hurts the Bruins.

 

[OkimLom]

The modern day Jean Beliveau. Hope he enjoys his retirement. He played the game the right way.

 

[MOGlLNY]

Bergeron is pretty much like Lidstrom as to where nobody hates him no matter how much he terrorized their team. Awesome player, leader and human. Couldn't be more relieved that he's gone though.

 

[CaliSabresfan24]

With Bergeron retiring, I want to say the Bruins will fall in the standings next season... Problem is I've been saying that for the last 3 off seasons and they kept proving me wrong so I'll believe it when I see it

 

[Nikolajs Sillers]

Looks like Matthews will get almost as much as Tage and Dylan combined.

 

[Zman5778]

Looks like Matthews will get almost as much as Tage and Dylan combined.

If that $13.5 is true........Tage and Cozens will make less than Matthews and whatever ELC Toronto puts at 2C.

 

[paulmm3]

Patrice Bergeron was a great player who had a great career and seemed well liked by everyone. His retirement is a loss for the league, but I'm happy it makes the Atlantic just that little bit weaker.

 

[WhereAreTheCookies]

So rare now for a guy to play his entire career with the same team, but I'm happy to see him retire and weaken the Bruins. Class act, and him asking Tage about how his wife was doing was all class.

 

[Chainshot]

Massive respect for Bergeron the player and the human… but the rest of the Atlantic division is rightfully doing backflips over this. Their center depth is scary bad now

Yet they still have the goaltending tandem, some excellent defensemen in McAvoy and Lindholm (and even Carlo in a mid-pairing shutdown aspect), and years of knowing how to play defensively sound hockey. Yes, it's going to hurt them, but until we actually see them drop off, I'll believe it when I see it. They have limited prospect depth, but they're just good enough to still grind the hell out of things.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

With Bergeron retiring, I want to say the Bruins will fall in the standings next season... Problem is I've been saying that for the last 3 off seasons and they kept proving me wrong so I'll believe it when I see it

I mean, the Bruins are 100% going to go down in the standings.

It's just they can drop by 30+ points and still make the playoffs.

 

[OkimLom]

There aren’t many people that I have so little respect for, but Wirtz is one of them.

 

[MarkusKetterer]

Bergeron is one of my favourite players to watch. I always enjoyed seeing his game. I wanted the Sabres to throw a boatload of money at him the past few seasons just so he could be a coach on faceoffs, even if he didn’t play. He’s a surefire HOFer. It’ll be weird not seeing him play.

That being said, f*** the Bruins. Please pay more in draft picks this year to try to win the Cup. You’ve lost Bergeron, Krejci, Hall, Bertuzzi and Orlov already this offseason. I’m good with you losing more.