By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on@pastagrl88
In case you stayed off hockey social media recently, the Boston Bruins had a busy week. Along with anniversaries, birthdays, etc, the team announced a signing and the retirement of a well-respected defenseman.
LOCKING IT IN
Earlier this week marked the eight-year anniversary of the Patrice Bergeron extension with the team. Back on July 12, 2013, the then 27-year-old center agreed to an eight-year, $52 million contract. That same week, the team also locked up goaltender Tuukka Rask to an eight-year, $56 million deal. Widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in the NHL, Bergeron has solidified his position with the team and the city of Boston.
Often touted as the player others emulate to become, there was simply no question as to who would take on the Captaincy once the highly respected Zdeno Chara left the team this past season. The L’Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec-native was drafted 45th overall by the Bruins back in 2003. He has gone on to win the Selke Trophy four times and has been a finalist for the award every year in the past 10 years. Last month, the 35-year-old won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award which is given to a player “who exemplifies great leadership qualities on and off the ice and who plays a leadership role in his community growing the game of hockey.”
HELLO AND GOOD-BYE
On Wednesday, the Bruins and defenseman Brandon Carlo agreed to a six-year contract extension with a $4.1 million annual cap hit. The 24-year-old was the 37th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Carlo has had some bad luck when it comes to the playoffs as he sustained an injury in Game Three during the Islanders series. Despite the post-season run ending sooner than the Bruins hoped for, the defenseman is looking forward to the start of the 2021-2022 season.
“…I’ve been feeling great, completely back to normal. 100 percent for, I would say, well over a month and a half now…There’s a lot more room for that going forward. I think this contract kind of reflects on that. I’m excited for that opportunity.”
Bruins Defenseman Brandon Carlo
Fans woke up to the news of long-time Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller announcing his retirement via Instagram. Through his eight years with the team, The California-native offered some much-needed toughness to Boston’s defensive line. Towards the end of his career with the Bruins, injuries started to affect his gameplay. Despite surgical intervention for a fractured patella, he would suffer multiple setbacks. There were months of intense rehab, however number 86 wasn’t able to stay on the roster for a steady amount of time. After suffering an injury during this recent playoff run that saw Miller out for the rest of the post-season, the 33-year-old defenseman’s body just could not keep up with the rigors of the game.
“Although my spirit for the game is there unfortunately my body isn’t. My overall health and my family are now the priority. This was not an easy decision to make, but it’s time to hang up my skates.”
AND NOW FOR SOME LIGHT STUFF
Bear Tracks is back and this summer, fans are able to follow along as Jeremy Swayman’s summer is highlighted. This past week, the Alaskan-native happily offered behind-the-scenes post-season workouts in the gym and in-between the pipes.
Walpole-native Chris Wagner stopped by the 98.5 The Sports Hub studios, taking over the airwaves recently. The 30-year-old forward had some fun with radio personalities Marc Bertrand and Scott Zolack
And lastly a happy birthday to Mike Reilly, who turned 28 on July 13th. The young defenseman was acquired by the Boston Bruins earlier this year from the Ottawa Senators in time for the playoffs. He filled in nicely defensively and is currently awaiting his fate on whether or not the Bruins re-sign him. In the teams’ end-of-season media availability, Reilly seems optimistic about his future here in Boston: “There’s been some, a little bit of talks, but yeah I’ve loved it here…So, it’s been great so far, and hopefully, stuff can work out.”
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