Bruins Veteran Patrice Bergeron Named New Team Captain

Patrice Bergeron, the longest-tenured Boston Bruins player, has reportedly received a well-deserved honor.

Bergeron will serve as the Bruins' new captain following the recent departure of Zdeno Chara, who held the title since 2006, the team announced in a video shared on its official Twitter account Thursday (January 7), with the caption "The legacy continues."

The video features a timeline of all 19 of the franchise's previous captains, beginning with Sprague Cleghorn in 1925 and ending with Chara in 2006, before showing the captain "C" being stitched on Bergeron's jersey and the veteran center wearing it.

Bergeron has spent his entire NHL career with the Bruins after being selected No. 45 overall in the 2003 NHL draft.

The 35-year-old made his NHL debut during his first year with the organization at the age of 18, initially playing the wing position, before coming a mainstay at center for the remainder of his career.

Bergeron recorded 70 points during three seasons, while also establishing himself as an elite defensive center, as well as one of the league's best faceoff centers. The Quebec native has served as the Bruins' alternate captain since the 2006-07 season.

Chara agreed to terms with the Washington Capitals in December after 14 years with the Bruins organization, having held the distinction of the longest-tenured captain in the NHL prior to his departure.

Photo: Getty Images