Long-time Boston Bruin and Czech native centre-iceman, David Krejci, has announced his retirement from the NHL. With that said, he has not closed the door on possibly lacing them up for his home country internationally, the Czech Republic. However, for all intents and purposes, the 16-year-NHL veteran has accomplished all he could have aspired to achieve.
David Krejci Retirement and His Career Highlights
Krejci was a producer throughout his NHL career, and when it mattered most. Four times he hits 20 goals in the NHL, and perhaps more impressively was the five times he had 46 or more assists. When you tally it all up, in 1032 regular season games, he compiled 231 goals and 555 assists for 786 points. He had a career of 50.8 FOW%, 84.0 PS, and a +/- off 166. The +/- note is more significant since he twice had the highest in the NHL (2009 and 2014). Additionally, is the mantra that Krejci performed best when everything was on the line. On two separate occasions, he led the league in playoff scoring (2011 and 2013), with 23 and 26 points, respectively.
His career stats are made the more notable, as he played (at least parts of) four seasons in other professional leagues. For example, in 2006-07 he registered 74 points in 69 games for the Providence Bruins. Furthermore, you may recall he spent 2021-22 back in the Czech Republic, playing for the Olomouc HC. Also, he represented his country on numerous occasions, whether at the World Juniors, World Championships, or the Olympics. Therefore, he was well respected equally by both his home country and his home team.
What Does This Mean for the Boston Bruins?
As has been the sentiment in Beantown since Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement, this continues as the changing of the guard. Krejci, and for the matter Bergeron, were instrumental in the three final runs in 2011, 2013, and 2019 while winning the Stanley Cup in 2011. Now, both have moved on from their lives as NHL players. Nowadays, the Bruins have tried to shift to a younger team, while still keeping a strong core in place. They look to younger players to lead them into the future. Players to lead them like David Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy, and their two stud goalkeeps, Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. This is their future, and they have had the torch passed down to them with the finest quality. Here’s to a terrific career and all the best in your next adventures, number 46, David Krejci!
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
