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By: Marvin Azrak
After an illustrious 16-season career, all with the Boston Bruins, center David Krejci has officially hung up his NHL skates. Krejci,37, chose the Boston Bruins’ social media platforms on Monday, to share his announcement, expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, and the organization for his incredible journey.
“When I was drafted in 2004(63rd overall), I had no idea that I would be working with such incredible and driven people who would lead us to three Stanley Cup Finals, and winning the ultimate goal in 2011,” Krejci remarked, reflecting on his remarkable journey. He also thanked his coaches, agents, and the city of Boston for their support.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cam Neely and Don Sweeney for allowing me to take my time with my decision and announcement.”
“I also want to thank the Jacobs family and the entire Bruins organization for believing in me over and over again and giving me the opportunity to be part of this amazing family for so many years.”
“ I have made so many great friendships throughout the organization. You have always been there for me whenever I needed something, and I will always be here for you.
To my teammates – I have been very lucky to be on so many good teams and play with so many great players. You always start as coworkers but end as friends, and I’m so proud to have met some of my closest friends over the years. That’s the best part about our sport.
Thank you to all the coaching staffs I was lucky to have in my career – I was coached by some of the best coaches in the world.”
“Thank you to my agents for all you have done for me since my teenage years.”
“To my mom and dad – Thank you for letting me chase my dream of playing in the NHL. Being a father, I now realize how hard it had to be to send your kid to another continent with no English. Without your support, my NHL dream would still be a dream and not reality.”
“To my brother Zdenek – We dreamt the same thing as kids, but only one of us was fortunate to experience it. You never complained, and you were never jealous of me – you were the exact opposite of that. I don’t think you understand how much influence you have had on my career, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“To my wife Naomi and my kids Elina and Everett – As I’m writing this and hearing you and the kids playing and being really loud it makes me happy that I get to experience it in real life and not over the phone when we are on trips far away. You understood all the hard work I had to put in and all the hours in the summer to get ready for a new season. You always listened when I was in my lows and gave me strength and the right advice. Now it’s time for me to try to be the best husband and father I can be and support you in our next chapter in life.”
“I want to thank the media – I really appreciate all of you even if I don’t like speaking too much … I will miss you.”
“And to Bruins fans and the city of Boston – THANK YOU. You have always treated me with nothing but respect and I will be forever grateful. I will miss playing in front of you, but I am and always will be a Bruin.”
Krejci’s impact with Bergeron was vital, securing the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reaching the Finals in 2013 and 2019.
Despite a rocky start in 2007, Krejci found his stride as a mid-season call-up, leading to a new era for Bruins’ hockey.
With 555 assists and 231 goals over 1,032 games, his legacy looms large. A turning point was his injury almost costing victory in the 2010 series against the Flyers, sparking their Cup win.
Teaming with Horton and Lucic in the 2011 playoffs, Krejci shone with three winning goals. His slick pass led to Horton’s game-winner in the intense 2011 Game 7 against the Lightning. As the game’s pace quickened, Krejci’s mastery lay in slowing things down when he had the puck. His east-west movement created room for himself and his teammates on the ice.
Krejci emerged as the top scorer in the 2011 playoffs with 23 points. He replicated this feat in 2013, leading the league with 26 points despite the Bruins losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in the final. He had 128 points across 160 career postseason games, placing him in a shared second place in team history for scoring alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
Krejci’s career-best season (73 points) was in 2008-09 and 2018-19. He returned to play in the Czech Republic in 2021-22 before returning to Boston for 2022-23. He had 16 goals and 56 points in 70 games, and a goal and five points in the series against the Panthers before calling it quits for good.
Krejici’s absence on the ice will undoubtedly be felt, especially alongside the retirement of Patrice Bergeron. It signifies the end of an era for the Bruins but also opens the door for new faces to step up and fill the void.
With the departure of these two key centers, the focus shifts to who will take their place. Pavel Zacha is a strong contender, having proven himself last season with solid performances. The Bruins secured Zacha with a four-year, $19 million extension in January, recognizing his potential in the top-six grouping. Although he may not possess the same playmaking prowess as Krejci or the two-way skills of Bergeron, Zacha’s ability to hold his ground at center and complement elite wingers was evident.
Charlie Coyle also enters the conversation. Coyle’s versatility was showcased when he was moved to the top line in Bergeron’s absence during the playoffs. His prowess in puck possession and defensive fortitude elevated the line’s performance to that of a shutdown unit, highlighting his adaptability.
Trent Frederic’s breakout season cannot be overlooked. With 17 goals and 31 points over 79 games, Frederic’s offensive contribution provides another option for the Bruins in their search for a solid center.
Morgan Geekie, a big-bodied center, brings versatility to the team. His strong faceoff skills and ability to switch to wing make him a valuable addition. Having spent time with the Kraken before inking a two-year $2 million AAV deal with. Boston, Geekie brings experience and a promising points-per-60-minute stat to the Bruins.
Jesper Boqvist, a recent acquisition for one year $775K, adds depth. Boqvist’s defensive metrics and goal-scoring abilities offer hope for a meaningful role within the team.
Finally, there’s James van Riemsdyk, who sighed with Boston for one year, $1 million this offseason. Yes, he’s a left-winger. Still, with a history of consistently scoring 15 or more goals in the NHL, van Riemsdyk’s experience and offensive skills provide another option for Boston down the middle.
The Bruins face a transition period with these players stepping into the spotlight. The absence of Krejci and Bergeron leaves a void that will be felt, but the influx of promising talent ensures that the team’s competitive spirit remains intact.
Looking ahead, the 2023-24 Bruins present a formidable lineup. Led by a dynamic forward lineup, including the goal-scoring machine David Pastrnak, fresh off a 61-goal season, the team boasts firepower alongside Jake DeBrusk and Taylor Hall.
Despite a minor hiccup against the Panthers, the Bruins’ defensive prowess is anchored by the partnership of Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm. This solid defensive foundation makes them a strong contender in the competitive Atlantic Division.
Moreover, Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman’s return to the net adds another layer of strength to the Bruins. The pair won the William M Jennings trophy, and Ullmark won the Vezina trophy.
In the face of challenging competition within the Atlantic Division, the Bruins remain a playoff-caliber team. With a mix of experienced players, promising newcomers, and a strong core, the team is well-equipped to navigate the upcoming season and beyond.
