Patrice Bergeron would “consider” an NHL return outside of Boston.

If the NHL ever returns permanently to Quebec City, Boston Bruins great Patrice Bergeron could be there.

Bergeron has deep ties to the region, having grown up just minutes outside the Canadian town where the Nordiques lived before moving to Colorado in 1995.

Quebec City hosted the NHL on Thursday night as the Bruins took on the Los Angeles Kings in preseason action, raising questions about the league's expansion to a location that's nothing short of promising for an NHL team – the state-of-the-art 18,259 Videotron Seating The center opened in 2015 is proof of this.

Bergeron, who accompanied Boston an exhibition competition, ds completely agree with Quebec City getting an NHL team again. While he has strong ties to the Bruins, he wouldn't rule out becoming part of the expansion team's leadership staff if it actually comes to fruition.

“That’s something I would definitely think about,” Bergeron told reporters. per video provided by the team. “I was a huge fan growing up and it would definitely be special. But other than that, I have been part of an organization in Boston for 20 years that is also very close to my heart. I don't.” I don't know what the real answer to that is, but I would definitely consider it.

It will be just the second season that Bergeron will be away from hockey after the six-time Selke Award winner retired following Boston's historic 2022-23 season. He spent 19 seasons in the Black and Gold, amassing 1,040 points from 427 goals and 613 assists. That ranked him third all-time in franchise history in the first two categories and fourth among helpers.

Bergeron said he speaks with Bruins general manager Don Sweeney “here and there” and answers any questions Sweeney might have about the current Boston team. This could just be the start of Bergeron moving into the NHL front office one day or taking on a coaching role in the league.

The 39-year-old isn't ready to return to work on a full-time basis just yet, but that urge could come in the future for the former Bruins captain, and it looks like Boston might not be his only path for a career return.

“I miss the game, of course,” Bergeron said. “Hockey is a passion. It is something I will always love. I like to look at it. I like talking about it. Obviously there’s a good chance I’ll want to come back later and be involved in the sport somewhere.”

“I'm happy at the moment. I'm doing well. It's good for me to be able to step back and really think about what I want to do, but really take time and catch up with family.”