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Boston Bruins 2016-17 Season Outlook: Patrice Bergeron

By Brandon Share-Cohen |
Feb 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Bruins 2016-17 Season Outlook: Patrice Bergeron Should Shine Again

There is no better on the Boston Bruins roster than Patrice Bergeron. While there have been many players on the roster over the last few seasons who fans of the Bruins have been upset about losing, such as Tyler Seguin, Johnny Boychuk, and Dougie Hamilton, no trade would bring more dismay to Boston than a trade involving Patrice Bergeron. There’s a reason for that, as Bergeron has been as good a goal-scorer, point producer, and defensive player as it gets in the NHL throughout his career.

When looking at the last three seasons, Bergeron has scored 85 goals and 185 points in 241 games. In that time, Bergeron has played in at least 80 games in all three years and scored 30+ goals and 60+ points in two seasons. The most impressive part of Bergeron’s game, however, has nothing to do with his offensive ability.

Bergeron is a multi-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner, given to the league’s best defensive forward, being nominated in each of the last five seasons and winning three times. Given Bergeron’s all-around skillset, he is one of the most underrated players in the entire NHL. He’s also one of the most highly-respected players among his peers, however.

With a breakout season now behind linemate Brad Marchand, it looks like the Bruins top-line can be expected to produce at elite levels once again in the 2016-17 season. Bergeron should see his goal total hover around 30 goals once again, and he could see another 30+ assist season, giving him over 60 points once again for the third time in four years.

Many have called for the captaincy to be stripped off of Zdeno Chara and given to Bergeron. Whether or not Bergeron is given the “C”, there’s no denying that the true heart-and-soul leader of the team has, and will continue to be Bergeron moving forward. That’s not to take anything away from Chara, it’s just a testament to Bergeron as a player and leader.

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There’s not much that can be said about Bergeron that isn’t already known. He is ridiculously consistent and any projection made about him is as easy as can be. With all of the question marks on the Bruins roster this season, Bergeron will definitely not be one of them.

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