A picture says more than a thousand words, they say.

Patrice Bergeron had taken his place near the exit that led to the corridor next to the Bruins’ locker room. He wanted to greet each of his teammates the way a real captain knows. But most of all, every member of the Bruins Edition wanted to say thank you.

His reaction, especially when he hugged David Krejci and Brad Marchand, his great accomplice, obviously raised the famous question.

Is this the end of a great career?

Since 2003, Patrice Bergeron has been a role model for all Bruins players. A great leader, a fierce competitor, a man who knows how to bring his teammates together in adversity, qualities that have allowed him to find his place among the great athletes in the history of the city of Boston.

“It’s still too early to make a decision. I will consult my family and friends. »

But the wounds left their mark. Has he not played his last three games despite a herniated disc?

Regardless of the decision he makes, Patrice Bergeron’s file should stimulate discussion among Canadian decision-makers. An organization with such an impressive history as the Habs should never miss an opportunity to surround themselves with influential people.

an ambassador

Bergeron’s glittering profile and the impact he has had and continues to have in the hockey world deserve serious consideration. He is an ambassador for his sport. He is a point of contact for National League leaders. Throughout his career he has served his sport with great professionalism.

Last year, Geoff Molson and his group didn’t hesitate to approach Vincent Lecavalier. Shouldn’t they include the name Patrice Bergeron in their future plan?

We’ll say he’s a full member of the Boston Bruins, we can all agree on that. On the other hand, once you’ve retired, priorities sometimes change, especially when you’re offered a challenge that matches projects you want to undertake in a whole new role.

Bergeron is a leader. He is also a highly respected character, he is an ice hockey student who continually works to improve his knowledge in the business and management of a sports team.

Presumably the Boston Bruins, owners and manufacturers, have already talked about what role their captain can take on when he retires. When you spend 20 seasons with an organization, you forge connections with influential people, the community, and company decision-makers. We quickly noticed on Sunday evening that he has a lot of respect for the team’s fans.

Respect the culture

It’s important for an organization like the Canadiens to keep an eye out, especially when the identified player wants to stay connected to the hockey world and make a big impact on the company.

Since the arrival of new leaders, Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, it has been reiterated dozens of times that the organization must rediscover the culture that has shaped the company’s success for so long. Didn’t Hughes have a long business relationship with the Bruins captain?

In Boston, Bergeron enforced the Bruins culture. In that regard, his know-how could greatly benefit the organization of Canadians.

In 2003 we made the mistake of picking Cory Urquhart over Bergeron, who was picked four ranks later by the Bruins. Perhaps, given the opportunity, some of this lack of judgment on the part of hiring managers could be remedied.

a little remark

Incidentally, the Avalanche and Bruins will eventually have played seven more games than the Canadiens.

So when the general managers say the goal is a pass to the spring tournament, and then we’ll see, they’re absolutely right.