One day into NHL free agency, Patrice Bergeron's future with the Boston Bruins remains up in the air.
The 36-year-old B's captain, who's an unrestricted free agent this summer, is expected to rejoin the team for the 2022-23 campaign. However, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters Wednesday the organization is still waiting on Bergeron to make a decision.
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"Nothing’s changed. There's no update as of right now," Sweeney said. "I think we’re in a really good place with Patrice. Just the timing and working out the details of his contract, allowing him to declare that he's good to go. Could be any timeframe there. ... He's the only one that's gonna make that final announcement because he has the final say."
It was reported Tuesday night that Bergeron and the Bruins agreed to a contract and a confirmation would come "in the next few hours." On Wednesday, TVA Sports' Renaud Lavoie poured cold water on that rumor.
"In an interview with @TVASports, Patrice Bergeron says he is not ready to confirm his return to Boston and that his reflection is not over," the translation of Lavoie's tweet reads.
The Bruins also have been in negotiations with veteran center David Krejci, who returned home to the Czech Republic for the 2021-22 campaign. According to 98.5 The Sports Hub's Ty Anderson, Sweeney says the team likely will have to use performance bonus structures to sign both Bergeron and Krejci to new contracts. They currently have less than $4 million in salary cap space.
Bergeron's importance to the Bruins cannot be overstated. The five-time Selke Trophy winner has been a stabilizing presence both on and off the ice throughout his illustrious 18-year NHL career. That isn't lost on Sweeney as he looks to build a team that can compete next season, though building around him and Krejci will be a major challenge. Especially with key players Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, and Matt Grzelcyk each expected to miss significant time to begin the season.