For starters, he's strong on his stick, backhand and forehand, and he has an unpredictability that keeps other centers off balance. Throw in superb anticipation, a scholar's approach to the task, and have it all backed up by a richly deserved reputation as the best in the business that provides him with a distinct psychological edge.

In the art of the draw, Bergeron has few, if any, equals.

In the art of the draw, Bergeron has few, if any, equals.

For starters, he's strong on his stick, backhand and forehand, and he has an unpredictability that keeps other centers off balance. Throw in superb anticipation, a scholar's approach to the task, and have it all backed up by a richly deserved reputation as the best in the business that provides him with a distinct psychological edge.

A perennial Selke Trophy candidate, Bergeron is indisputably among hockey's finest two-way players.

Born L'Ancienne-Lorette, Quebec, Bergeron was one of the rare talents to make the leap straight into the NHL after playing only one full junior season for Acadie-Bathurst of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2002-03. His 73 points, including 50 assists, in 70 games was eye-catching, but his all-around game displayed a surprising maturity.

Selected by the Boston Bruins in the second round (No. 45) in the 2003 NHL Draft, Bergeron arrived that fall, all of 18 years old, and impressed with 16 goals and 39 points in 71 games and finished eighth in the Calder Trophy voting.

With the NHL embroiled in a work stoppage, Bergeron spent the 2004-05 season with Providence of the American Hockey League and finished with 21 goals and 61 points in 68 games.

He'd never see the minors again.

Despite missing all but 10 games of 2007-2008 because of a concussion, Bergeron's influence on the ice and inside the dressing continued to grow. In Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, Bergeron scored two goals as the Bruins claimed their sixth title over seven hard-fought games against the Vancouver Canucks.

That made Bergeron a member of the elite Triple Gold Club, reserved for players who've won a gold medal at the Olympics and World Championship, and the Stanley Cup.

In 2011-12, he led the League in plus-minus (plus 36), finished second in faceoff win percentage (59.3) and won his first Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward. He also had 64 points.

He would win the Selke in 2014, 2015 and 2017, joining Hockey Hall of Famer Bob Gainey as the only players to win the award four times.

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