Patrice Bergeron needs time to digest the Boston Bruins' stunning first-round exit before deciding whether he'll continue his illustrious career.

"Right now, it's hard to process anything. It hurts right now," Bergeron said Sunday, according to Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The 37-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and his future is in question after the Bruins' historic regular season came to a grinding halt with a Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers.

Bergeron was visibly upset after the defeat, hugging his teammates and saluting the TD Garden crowd before heading down the tunnel.

"It's a special city. It's a special fanbase. (The salute was) a thank you for the support all year," Bergeron said.

Bergeron re-upped with the Bruins last summer on a one-year deal featuring a $2.5-million cap hit.

He produced 58 points in 78 contests but wasn't available until Game 5 of Round 1 due to a herniated disc in his back, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said he doesn't want this to be the end of the road for his captain.

"Learned a lot from him this year. Hope to learn more next year," he said.

The Bruins drafted Bergeron 45th overall in 2003. The future Hall of Famer has amassed 1,040 career points - and 128 more in the playoffs - and won an NHL-record five Selke Trophies as the league's top defensive forward.

Bergeron won the Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011 and captured gold medals with Canada at the Olympics in 2010 and 2014.

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