Bruins center David Krejci retires from NHL for second time originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Boston Bruins center David Krejci retires from the NHL for the second time. And similar to Tom Brady, this is expected to be his last retirement.
“After 15 full NHL seasons, I have decided to retire from the best league in the world,” Krejci wrote in a statement released Monday morning by the Bruins.
Krejci was selected by the Bruins in the second round of the 2004 NHL Draft and spent the first 15 seasons of his career in Boston. He went back to the Czech Republic to play for family and friends during the 2021-2022 season before returning to the Bruins for the 2022-23 season. Krejci played well in his return, scoring 56 points (16 goals, 40 assists) in 70 games.
In his statement, Krejci expressed a desire to spend more time with his family now that he is retired.
“To my wife Naomi and my kids Elina and Everett – As I write this and hear you and the kids play and hear really loud it makes me happy to be able to experience it in real life and not over the phone as we are far away travel,” wrote Krejci.
“…Now is the time for me to try to be the best husband and father I can be and support you in our next chapter in life.”
Krejci is 37 years old. He has accomplished so much in his career, including a Stanley Cup title with the Bruins in 2010-11. He walks away as one of the most prolific forwards in B history. He ranks fifth on the Bruins’ career standings in games played (1,032), fifth in assists (555), nine in points (786) and 10th in shots (1,848).
The second-line center often performed when it mattered most in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His 128 points in the postseason are the second highest since his playoff debut in 2008. Krejci led the playoffs in scoring as the Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011 and 2013. They also advanced to the cup final in 2019.
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Krejci’s departure leaves the Bruins without strong depth and talent at center after Patrice Bergeron’s retirement earlier this offseason. Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha are expected to be the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 centers, respectively.
