Bergeron's Bruins Legacy Will Live On Even If He Can't 'Play Forever'

The 38-year-old Bruins captain cited his aging body and family responsibilities as the reasons for embracing NHL retirement after 19 brilliant seasons

BOSTON -- “I wish I could play forever and never have to do this. But eventually you have to move on, the body tells you something sometimes.”

That was 38-year-old Patrice Bergeron trying to explain his NHL retirement decision on Wednesday at TD Garden after conferring with countless teammates, friends, family and hockey people over the last year before finally calling it an NHL career this week after 19 brilliant NHL seasons. The tireless Boston Bruins captain and surefire Hall of Famer is closing the book on his brilliant playing career after 1,294 NHL games all played for the Black and Gold, one Stanley Cup title, a record six Selke Trophies and a legendary legacy as one of the all-time successful winners and leaders after earning championships at the World Junior, Olympic, World Cup and NHL level over his two decades playing career.

At the end of the day, a body where injuries and age were beginning to take their toll and a family of four that wanted their dad around more were the biggest reasons behind Bergeron’s retirement after scoring 27 goals and 58 points last season.