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David Krejci officially stepping away from the NHL after 16 years

By Zander Manning

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 12: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the first period of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 12: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the first period of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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11 days after the reports initially came out about him retiring, and subsequent reports from Sportskeeda saying he wasn’t “99 percent going to start anywhere”, David Krejci officially broke his silence today, and announced that, for the second time, he would be retiring from the NHL.

The difference between this time and the last, is that this time he didn’t appear to open the door to play in Europe or the Czechia national team. it appears he is done playing hockey. Period.

Krejci said in a statement:

"“After 15 full seasons I have decided to retire from the best league in the world. I would like 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.”"

He went on to thank his family, and his friends, and all of the great teams he has been on here with the Bruins, but one part that really will cement his legacy here in Boston in this reporter’s opinion is how he closed his statement.

Krejci closed his statement by saying:

"“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 leaves behind a lasting legacy in his 15 years in Boston, one that will not soon be forgotten on both his teammates and fans alike. He also leaves behind a hole at the second centerman spot, but right now, that is the least of their concerns.

What the Bruins need to replace now, is his leadership qualities, as not has he retired now, but fellow locker room leader Patrice Bergeron has as well. With Krejci’s retirement official now, Boston will not only be looking for a new captain, but a new alternate captain to take Krejci’s place.

During the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, Boston had numerous pseudo-leaders throughout the playoffs ranging from David Pastrnak on the offensive side of the puck, all the way to Charlie McAvoy on the defensive of the puck.

Krejci played in 1,032 regular season games (1,192 total including playoffs), scoring 231 goals in the process with career-highs coming in 2011-12, and 2016-17 where he scored 23 goals, the former of which where he also had 39 assists – giving him a total of 62 points.

While he wasn’t overly known for his scoring, although he did score when needed to, Krejci was known for being on the ice at the opportune time whether it was dishing out assists, or just helping out on special teams. He finished his career with a plus-minus rating of +166, according to statmuse.com, with a career high coming in the 2013-14 season where he finished with a +39 rating.

He won a single Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Bruins, and played in two others while leading them to the playoffs 13 times. Pretty good, if you ask me.

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