Boston Bruins forward David Krejci is coming off the second hip surgery of his career. The 31-year old center had the surgery in May, and is expected to be ready for opening night. The Bruin alternate captain had a productive season last year, putting up 63 points (but only 17 goals) for the Black and Gold.
David Krejci has mentioned that he would like to be ready for the upcoming World Cup in Toronto. He’d be representing the Czech Republic, and he’s certainly eager to make a statement on his readiness for the upcoming 2016-17 NHL season.
There is a snag though. Krejci’s doctors are not on board with his sudden return to the ice. They are of the opinion (which I am willing to get behind) that Krejci should forego the World Cup next month and just prepare himself for opening night in October.
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“According to … I could play another five, six, seven seasons,” said Krejci of his doctors’ concerns. “He advises me not to hurry to return and risk unnecessary problems for next season.”
The Boston Bruins need a healthy David Krejci. He’s one of their top-six centers. He’s their second best playmaker (behind Patrice Bergeron). If David Krejci gets hurt at Worlds, it could easily through the Bruins season into chaos before they even play their first game.
David Krejci is also a very valuable commodity for the Bruins. The Boston Bruins already have two solid top-six centers in Bergeron and David Backes. The Bruins might feel compelled to move the Czech forward if they can find themselves a solid top-four defenseman.
David Krejci will still be considered a question mark for the Bruins and any potential trade partner. The B’s will need to see how Krejci is doing through the first 20-or-so games. If Krejci is putting up more than a point a night, than the Bruins will obviously keep him. Even if he’s putting up .7 or more points per game.
If the Czech forward is putting up between .5 and .7 points per game, he’ll be a hot commodity to trade. The Bruins could get top dollar for a playmaking center and Krejci could find himself the captain of several teams that are in need of his skill set.
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All he has to do is stay away from next month’s World Cup.