Whether he’s unsure about his future beyond the 2021-22 season or simply doesn’t want the distraction of a contract negotiation during the season, Bruins’ captain Patrice Bergeron said on Wednesday he will wait for after this season before he addresses his future with the only NHL team he has known. 

The 36-year-old Bergeron, who spoke at the club’s annual golf tournament at Pinehills Golf Club on Wednesday, is entering his 18th season, spending literally half his life in a Bruins’ uniform. 

“That’s something that a lot of people have asked me this summer and I think for me the way that I’m approaching this year is I want to concentrate on this year,” said Bergeron. “I have a year left on my contract and it would be useless for me to think about the future. I want to create something special. We obviously want to work towards winning a Stanley Cup, I know everyone says that, but it’s definitely our goal as a team.” 

Bergeron is not only the captain but has been the inspirational leader of the club, as well as the gold standard for two-way centermen in the NHL, for some time. 

He has also taken his share of knocks, bothered by a chronic groin injury the last few years, necessitating the occasional night off. But he was able to play in 54 of the 56 games in last season’s truncated schedule and said he feels strong.