Getting the band back together: Boston Bruins bring back Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci on 1-year deals

It was only a matter of time before the Boston Bruins announced the return of captain Patrice Bergeron.

Well, the team gave its fans the much-anticipated news Monday morning when it announced Bergeron’s return on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, plus an additional $2.5 million in performance-based incentives.

“I’m extremely excited to be back for one more year with the Boston Bruins,” he said. “Obviously it’s an organization that means the world to me ... Boston is my home and my family is excited to be back.”

Bergeron, 37, said he didn’t want to end his career with the feeling he and his teammates felt after the Game 7 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring.

“It was really hard for me to think and say, ‘This could’ve been my last game.’ I had a hard time believing that,” Bergeron said. “It was really hard for me to digest it ending that way.”

After the season, Bergeron spoke with his wife and family about his future and he said they supported him with any decision. Once Bergeron knew his family was onboard he had to make sure that he still wanted to play, and could play to a high level from a physical, mental and emotional standpoint.

He could check all those boxes, so it wasn’t long before he informed the Bruins of his decision to return for a 19th season.

“It was more of letting my body and my brain mentally know what I wanted and really listening to that,” he said. “Once I felt the passion and the desire was there to come back, and I was getting excited to work out again and to skate, so that was the indicator you need to keep playing.”

Bergeron added that he’d use that as motivation moving forward. At the end of last season many of his teammates said they were motivated by the fact that they didn’t know what Bergeron’s future would be, so they did everything possible to extend the playoff run to no avail.

Now the Bruins will have at least one full season to help their captain finish with a sense of satisfaction.

It helps that Bergeron, once again, agreed to a hometown discount in order to help the team’s cap space. He said playing hockey is all about the team’s success and not about the individual.

"That’s what makes the difference between a good career and a great career,” he said. “It’s the friendships that you build and the memories that last a lifetime. (My career earnings) is beyond what I ever dreamed of as far as salary goes, but leaving a few on the table to make sure you’re a competitive team, and it carries on for years, makes a big difference. That’s how I want to play the game, to win.”

And, he’s not doing it alone.

The Bruins also announced Monday veteran forward David Krejci agreed to a one-year deal worth $1 million, plus an additional $2 million in performance-based incentives.

“I’m very excited,” Bergeron said about Krejci’s return after a one-season hiatus while he played in Czech League. “I’m super excited that we could make it work. I keep (Krejci) in high regards. He’s an amazing person, but also an amazing player that still has it in him. I think he wants it.”

Bergeron admitted he still has a few weeks of rehab on his surgically-repaired elbow before he can start shooting pucks, but he’s been skating for a few weeks already and said he’ll be ready to go for the start of training camp.

“Health-wise there’s no issue,” he said.

Bergeron has already had numerous conversations this summer with new coach Jim Montgomery. The captain said he’s excited about the team’s future forecast, which is another reason he wanted to return. He believes in this team’s ability to be successful, reach the playoffs and possibly enjoy a deep run.

“I’m really confident,” he said. “I believe in this team. I believe in management. We’ve made those decisions this summer, because obviously I wanted to play, but also wanted to play for the Boston Bruins because I believe in this team and I believe in the organization and that’s never going to change.”

Bergeron understands the team will face some adversity to start the season without the services of Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk, all of who had offseason surgery and will not be ready for the start.

When asked if the 2022-23 would definitely be his last, Bergeron broke into a big smile and answered in typical fashion.

“Honestly, right now I’m happy to be back and I’m concentrating on this year,” he said. “My decision this summer was about this coming year ... whatever the future holds I’ll address when the time is right.”

Bruins fans have at least one more season to enjoy what No. 37 means to the Bruins organization.

Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Boston Bruins bring back Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci on 1-year deals