Over the course of their long history, the Montreal Canadiens have enjoyed a tradition of “200-foot” centres: players who were offensively capable and defensively responsible. Hall of Famers Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau are usually the first examples to come to mind. However, over the last decade, the preeminent player of this mould in the NHL has been Patrice Bergeron — something that has stung at many Canadiens fans like a persistent rash.
Bergeron ticks all of the boxes to be a perfect Montreal Canadiens player. He’s defensively adept, offensively adroit, a steady hand, capable leader, and yes, native son.