Boston Bruins Lose David Krejci To Injury Versus Ottawa

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins suffered a major blow in their game against the Ottawa Senators when forward David Krejci left the game during the third period. David Krejci has been one of the most consistent point scorers for the Bruins all season, and losing him for any extended period of time could significantly harm Boston as they look to complete their ascension up the Atlantic division standings.

More from Causeway Crowd

The collision between David Krejci and Bobby Ryan that likely caused the injury looked innocent enough, but David Krejci was sent down the tunnel immediately and he wasn’t seen again during the game. The Bruins confirmed during the game that the injury was to Krejci’s upper-body, and judging by the way he reacted, it seemed to be an injury to his right shoulder.

2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup

Puck Prose

Former NY Islanders earn spots on 'Historic 100' list of Boston Bruins players Eyes On Isles

The Boston Bruins announced an incredible All-Centennial teamPuck Prose

Former NY Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara finds a new way to push himselfEyes On Isles

The Boston Bruins are bringing back another old friendPuck Prose

The new faces on the Bruins heading into the 2023-24 seasonPuck Prose

With the Bruins impressive center depth, they should be able to fill the hole that Krejci leaves for a short period of time. The Bruins could potentially look to Alexander Khokhlachev as a potential call-up option, and his return to main roster could give him a chance to play a top-nine role at his natural center position. The Bruins played Ryan Spooner in between Matt Beleskey and Loui Eriksson following the Krejci injury, with Landon Ferraro shifting up to the Bruins third line in place of Ryan Spooner. The Bruins could play Khokhlachev on the third line in between Jimmy Hayes and Frank Vatrano, but head coach Claude Julien could be reluctant to separate his third line for any extended period of time. With the amount of talent that Alexander Khokhlachev brings to the roster, he could certainly receive some time in between Matt Beleskey and Loui Eriksson on the top line — an opportunity that could finally allow the young Russian to prove whether or not he has what it takes to play at the NHL level.

The Boston Bruins could also feel comfortable with Landon Ferraro and Ryan Spooner playing their new roles in relief of David Krejci with Tyler Randell receiving some time back on the fourth line right wing. If the Bruins do elect to keep their current roster players in the rotation, the lines would likely look something like this:

Matt Beleskey – Ryan Spooner – Loui Eriksson

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – Brett Connolly

Frank Vatrano – Landon Ferraro – Jimmy Hayes

Zac Rinaldo – Maxime Talbot – Tyler Randell

While it wouldn’t be the worst scenario in the world to keep the roster as is, the opportunity seems perfect to provide Alexander Khokhlachev an opportunity at his natural position. When David Krejci was injured in the 2014-15 season, Ryan Spooner was provided an opportunity to showcase his talent at the center position, and he parlayed his success into a full-time top-nine role on the Boston Bruins. Similarly, David Krejci was able to show his talent when former-Bruin Marc Savard was injured, leading to Krejci assuming a bigger role on the team and eventually parlaying that into a six year, $46,500,000 contract, as well as a Stanley Cup ring with the Bruins.

Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @BShareCohen to discuss all things Bruins and sports