Bruins to – The Boston Bruins announced Thursday that Patrice Bergeron’s No. 37 will be retired at TD Garden. Bergeron, Boston’s longtime captain and 2011 Stanley Cup champion, ended his pro career in 2023 after a 20-year run in the NHL, winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy
The Boston Bruins don’t retire numbers often. When they do, they choose the kind of player who seems to arrive fully formed—and then disappears only after leaving the building changed.
On Thursday, the team announced that Patrice Bergeron will have his No. 37 jersey retired at TD Garden. Bergeron is Boston’s longtime captain and a 2011 Stanley Cup champion, a centerpiece of the Bruins’ latest title run when Boston defeated Vancouver in seven games.
Bergeron’s connection to the franchise stretches back before fans even saw him in a Bruins uniform. He was drafted by Boston 45th overall in 2003 and played with the Bruins from his NHL debut in 2003 through his retirement from professional hockey in 2023. Over that span, he made three All-Star teams and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy a record six times.
In the team’s statement, Bruins owner and governor Jeremy M. Jacobs praised Bergeron not just for skill, but for what he brought to the room. “Patrice was the kind of rare, generational talent that every team wanted,” Jacobs said in the Bruins’ release. “He was a deftly skilled playmaker and the undeniable greatest defensive forward in the NHL’s history. But it was the leadership he provided on the ice and in the locker room that made him truly stand apart and an all-time legend of the Boston Bruins.”.
If the team’s message focused on leadership, Bergeron’s own words carried gratitude—especially for the people around him. “To have my number retired by the Boston Bruins is an honor that is difficult to put into words. ” Bergeron said. per the Bruins. “When I arrived in Boston as an 18-year-old, I could never have imagined receiving this recognition one day. I have always believed that any success I had was only possible because of the people around me. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible teammates. learn from outstanding coaches and staff and be supported by an organization that believed in me from the very beginning.
“I am especially grateful to my family for the sacrifices they made that allowed me to pursue my dream. ” he continued. “This honor belongs to all of them as much as it belongs to me. To Bruins fans across New England. thank you for welcoming a young French Canadian and making this place feel like home. Every time I stepped onto the ice. I felt the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the Spoked-B. and I always tried to represent this organization and community the right way. I am deeply humbled and grateful to be connected to the history of the Boston Bruins. To know that No. 37 will forever be part of that history is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”.
The Bruins said Bergeron’s No. 37 will be the 14th Bruins number to be retired into the TD Garden rafters. The team listed the others as 33 (Zdeno Chara. 2026). 22 (Willie O’Ree. 2022). 16 (Rick Middleton. 2018). 8 (Cam Neely. 2004). 24 (Terry O’Reilly. 2002). 77 (Ray Bourque. 2001). 7 (Phil Esposito. 1987). 9 (Johnny Bucyk. 1980). 4 (Bobby Orr. 1979). 15 (Milt Schmidt. 1955). 2 (Eddie Shore. 1947). 5 (Aubrey “Dit” Clapper. 1947) and 3 (Lionel Hitchman. 1934).
Whether you measured Bergeron by trophies or by the way Boston trusted him with responsibility, the story is the same: a player who stayed long enough to become part of the building itself—now given a permanent spot above it.
Patrice Bergeron Boston Bruins TD Garden jersey retirement No. 37 Jeremy M. Jacobs Frank J. Selke Trophy 2011 Stanley Cup
Good, 37 deserved it.
They don’t retire numbers often so this is huge. I feel like Bergeron was always quiet but somehow just won at both ends every night.
Wait I thought they retired like every other year? lol. Also he left in 2023 right? So it’s like delayed retirement party or something.
No. 37 at TD Garden is gonna be a whole thing. I swear Bergeron basically invented playing defense without being boring, like Selke trophy six times is insane. Kinda makes me miss the 2011 run, because Vancouver series went 7 and then everyone acted shocked like it wasn’t obvious he’d be the backbone. Wish they’d retire more guys though, seems like they only pick the “perfect leadership” narrative.