Patrice Bergeron's Replacement in Boston is Likely Already Known

With Patrice Bergeron likely to retire, there is already speculation on who will replace him in Boston and it is likely known.

While there is no guarantee that he will, it appears that Bruins captain and future Hall of Famer Patrice Bergeron will be retiring this offseason.

Throughout his nearly 1,300-game career, Bergeron has been the Bruins' top center for most of it. He has scored 427 goals and a total of 1,040 points while maintaining an elite defensive game.

His retirement will be a major hit to the organization and they will need to look elsewhere to find a replacement.

Stefen Rosner, an Islanders reporter, has linked Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk to the team and a top center would be going back to Boston.

JG Pageau does not provide nearly as much offensive upside as Bergeron with his career-high in points being 43 points but he is a similar style player. He is elite defensively and could slot in as a nice number-one shutdown center to play between Marchand and Pastrnak.

The Islanders currently have a backlog of centers with Mat Barzal, Bo Horvat, Brock Nelson, Pageau, and Casey Cizikas. Pageau would likely be the odd man out here and could display his offensive capabilities with the Bruins similar to Pavel Zacha last year.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES