Patrice Bergeron stands out as one of the greatest two-way centers in NHL history, spending his entire 19-year career with the Boston Bruins before retiring in 2023. Even in 2026, at age 40, his legacy as a Stanley Cup winner and record-holding Selke Trophy recipient keeps him relevant in hockey circles. Fans still talk about his leadership, defensive prowess, and clutch playoff moments.
Patrice Bergeron’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Patrice Bergeron-Cleary |
| Nickname | “Bergy” |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1985 |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | L’Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec, Canada |
| College | Never attended college (went directly from QMJHL to NHL) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 196 lbs (88 kg) |
| Turned Professional | 2003 (NHL at age 18) |
| Current Net Worth | Approximately $96-100 million |
| Career Salary Earned | $97.5+ million |
| Spouse | Stephanie Bertrand |
| Relationship Status | Married since 2013 |
| Children | Four children: Zack (born 2015), Victoria (born 2017), Noah (born 2018), Felix (born 2023) |
| Instagram Profile | @pabergeron37 |
Early Career
Patrice Bergeron’s journey began with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2001. After playing just four games in his debut season, he committed fully to the team during the 2002-03 season, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most promising prospects.
Bergeron appeared in 85 games over his junior career, recording an impressive 89 points (29 goals and 60 assists). His breakout performance at the 2005 World Junior Championship, where he led Team Canada with five goals and eight assists while earning tournament MVP honors, captured the attention of hockey’s elite.
Professional Career
Bergeron’s entry into the NHL at just 18 years old marked the beginning of a legendary journey. His rookie season in 2003-04 produced 39 points across 71 games, earning him immediate respect in the league. During the 2004-05 lockout season, he excelled in the American Hockey League with the Providence Bruins, recording 61 points in 68 games and proving he belonged at hockey’s highest level.
His breakthrough came in 2005-06 when he notched 31 goals and 73 points, demonstrating the two-way excellence that would define his career. Bergeron remained with the Boston Bruins for all 19 seasons of his professional career, an extraordinary demonstration of loyalty and consistency in an era of player movement. His peak seasons arrived in the 2010s, highlighted by the 2018-19 campaign when he recorded career highs of 32 goals and 79 points in 65 games.
Over his entire career, Bergeron accumulated 1,294 regular-season games, scoring 427 goals and assisting on 613 others for 1,040 total points. His playoff resume included 170 appearances with 128 points, cementing his status as a postseason performer. Bergeron’s statistical excellence masked his true value: he was the ultimate two-way forward who made everyone around him better.
Wife
Patrice Bergeron married his longtime partner Stephanie Bertrand on September 11, 2013, after they began dating in 2005 and became a couple in 2006. Their seven-year courtship allowed them to build a solid foundation before marriage. Stephanie, who studied psychology at Laval University and graduated in 2011, has been instrumental in maintaining family stability throughout Bergeron’s demanding NHL career.
Together, they have four children who grew up in both Boston and Quebec. Their eldest son, Zack, was born in 2015 and followed by daughter Victoria in 2017. Son Noah arrived in 2018, and their youngest child, Felix, was born in July 2023, just before Bergeron’s retirement.
Patrice Bergeron’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Patrice Bergeron’s net worth is estimated between $96 million and $100 million, primarily derived from his 19-season NHL career earnings of $97.5+ million. His wealth reflects an exceptionally lucrative professional journey punctuated by several major contract extensions, most notably the eight-year, $55 million deal signed in 2014 that guaranteed $8.75 million annually during its peak years. Beyond his NHL salary, Bergeron’s financial portfolio includes endorsement deals, appearance fees, and potential investments accumulated over two decades of employment at the highest level of professional sports.
Prize Money
| Award/Achievement | Year(s) Won | Details |
| Stanley Cup Championship | 2011 | Boston Bruins defeated Vancouver Canucks; Bergeron scored series-winning goal |
| Frank J. Selke Trophy | 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023 | Record 6 wins (most in NHL history); 12 consecutive nominations |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2010 (Vancouver), 2014 (Sochi) | Two gold medals representing Team Canada |
| World Championship Gold | 2004 | Age 18, first player to win world junior gold after men’s world gold |
| World Junior Championship Gold | 2005 | Tournament MVP with 5 goals and 8 assists |
| King Clancy Memorial Trophy | 2013 | Leadership and humanitarian excellence |
| Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award | 2021 | Community involvement and leadership |
| NHL Foundation Player Award | 2014 | Commitment to community enrichment |
| Stanley Cup Bonus (2011) | 2011 | Approximately $150,000 |
| Spengler Cup Gold | 2012 | During NHL lockout with Team Canada |
| World Cup of Hockey Gold | 2016 | Team Canada victory |
Endorsements
Bergeron’s endorsement portfolio remained notably limited compared to higher-profile hockey stars, reflecting his preference for privacy and focused commitment to team responsibilities. While specific current endorsement details remain largely private, his career involved strategic partnerships that aligned with his values and community involvement.
Unlike superstars such as Sidney Crosby (CCM, Gatorade, Tim Hortons) or Connor McDavid (CCM, Adidas, Rogers Communications), Bergeron maintained fewer public commercial relationships, choosing instead to direct his off-ice energy toward community programs and family commitments. His most consistent brand association throughout his career was with hockey equipment manufacturers, as is standard for professional players.
Bergeron’s reluctance to pursue extensive endorsement opportunities further reinforced his reputation as a player focused on excellence and integrity rather than commercial maximization. This approach likely contributed to his standing as one of the most respected figures in professional hockey, as fans and colleagues recognized his authenticity and commitment to sport over celebrity.
Career Records
| Record/Achievement | Statistic | Context |
| All-Time Selke Trophy Wins | 6 victories | Unmatched record; nearest competitors won 3-4 times |
| Consecutive Selke Nominations | 12 consecutive seasons | Longest streak in NHL history for any voted award |
| Games Played (Boston Bruins) | 1,294 games | All with one franchise; 3rd in franchise history |
| Career Goals | 427 | 3rd all-time for Boston Bruins |
| Career Assists | 613 | High-level two-way production |
| Career Points | 1,040 | 4th Bruin ever to reach 1,000 points |
| Plus-Minus Rating | +289 | Exceptional defensive impact measure |
| Faceoff Win Percentage | 60.1% (career) | Among NHL elite at drawing offensive zone faceoffs |
| 400th Goal Achievement | April 28, 2022 | 4th Boston Bruin to reach milestone; scored in hat trick vs Buffalo |
| 1,000th Career Point | November 21, 2022 | 4th Bruin to achieve milestone |
| 1,000th NHL Game | February 5, 2019 | Scored two goals; remarkable consistency milestone |
| Stanley Cup Champion | 2011 | Scored series-winning goal in Game 7 versus Vancouver |
| Triple Gold Club Member | Olympic Gold (2010, 2014), Stanley Cup (2011), World Championship Gold (2004) | Exclusive club with only 18 other players |
| Natural Hat Tricks | January 6, 2018 | Against Carolina Hurricanes; first of career |
| Playoff Overtime Goals | Most in Boston Bruins history | Clutch performer in decisive moments |
FAQs
1. What made Patrice Bergeron different from other NHL players of his generation?
Patrice Bergeron distinguished himself through his exceptional two-way play, defensive excellence, and unprecedented consistency. While other players of his generation focused primarily on offensive production, Bergeron balanced scoring with elite-level shot-blocking, faceoff mastery, and penalty-killing responsibilities. His six Frank J. Selke Trophies—more than any player in NHL history—quantify this unique skill set. Additionally, his integrity and humility set him apart from peers who pursued greater commercial opportunities and higher profiles.
2. Why did Bergeron never play college hockey before entering the NHL?
Bergeron chose the direct junior-to-professional pathway after excelling in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. The QMJHL is recognized as one of the top junior leagues in North America, and Bergeron’s dominating performance there demonstrated readiness for immediate professional employment. This path, common among Canadian prospects, allowed him to enter the NHL as an 18-year-old rather than delay his career through NCAA or CHL development. His immediate success in the NHL validated this decision.
3. How did the 2004-05 NHL lockout impact Bergeron’s development?
During the 2004-05 lockout that cancelled the entire NHL season, Bergeron played for the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League, where he recorded 61 points in 68 games. This extended development time in the AHL proved invaluable, allowing him to gain professional experience against higher-caliber competition than junior hockey while his teammates remained idle. When the NHL resumed in 2005-06, Bergeron returned refreshed and immediately established himself as a cornerstone player with 31 goals and 73 points.
4. What was Bergeron’s role in Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup championship?
Bergeron played a crucial role in the 2011 Stanley Cup victory, one of the most significant achievements in his career. He appeared in all 23 playoff games, accumulating six goals and 14 assists for 20 points. Most significantly, he scored the series-winning goal in Game 7 of the Finals against Vancouver, one of the most memorable moments in Boston sports history. His defensive prowess was instrumental in limiting Vancouver’s dangerous scoring chances throughout the series.
5. How many times was Bergeron nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy?
Bergeron holds the remarkable record of 12 consecutive Selke Trophy nominations, the longest consecutive streak for any voted NHL award in history. He won the award a record six times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023). His 2023 win, his final season, came at age 37, demonstrating that he maintained elite defensive ability well into his late career—a rarity in professional sports.
6. Was Bergeron part of Canada’s Olympic success?
Yes, Bergeron was a vital member of Canada’s Olympic ice hockey program, winning gold medals at both the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. He additionally won the World Championship gold at age 18 in 2004 and led Canada to victory at the 2005 World Junior Championship, earning tournament MVP honors. His Olympic success makes him a member of hockey’s exclusive Triple Gold Club.
7. What is Bergeron’s legacy beyond statistics?
Bergeron’s greatest legacy may be his character and leadership. He received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2013 for humanitarian contributions and leadership qualities both on and off the ice. His Patrice’s Pals program, founded in 2006, brought hospitalized children to Bruins games for nearly two decades. He raised over $700,000 through various community initiatives and served as captain of the Boston Bruins from 2021 until his retirement, representing the organization with distinction and integrity throughout his tenure.
8. Why did Bergeron retire in 2023 despite his elite performance?
Bergeron announced his retirement on July 24, 2023—his 38th birthday—after 19 seasons with the Boston Bruins. He cited the need to listen to his body and prioritize time with his family as the primary reasons. The 2022-23 season had been his last, culminating in a disappointment when the record-setting Bruins lost in the first round of the playoffs to Florida. Rather than pursue another season, Bergeron chose to retire on his own terms while still performing at an elite level, having won the Selke Trophy that final season.
9. How does Bergeron’s net worth compare to other elite hockey players?
Bergeron’s estimated net worth of $96-100 million ranks him among the wealthier former hockey players, reflecting $97.5+ million in career NHL earnings. This wealth is comparable to other players of his generation who played 19+ seasons with significant contracts. However, unlike some contemporaries, Bergeron has maintained a deliberately private financial profile and avoided extensive post-retirement business ventures or media appearances that might further increase his public wealth visibility.
10. Will Bergeron be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Most hockey analysts expect Bergeron’s eventual induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, though he has not yet been officially elected. His remarkable career achievements, including six Selke Trophies, 1,040 career points, the Stanley Cup championship, Olympic gold medals, and exceptional leadership credentials, align with Hall of Fame criteria. His jersey number 37 is widely expected to be retired by the Boston Bruins, honoring his unmatched service to the franchise.