Boston Bruins forward David Krejci announces retirement

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Another thousand-game Boston Bruin is hanging up his skates.

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David Krejci leaves behind a stellar career, but on the heels of Patrice Bergeron’s retirement, it will be a challenge for the perennial Atlantic Division power to replace the two veteran centres and hold its position against up-and-coming clubs in the NHL’s competitive Eastern Conference.

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Like Bergeron, Krejci’s departure was not a total shock. There were hints he, too, would leave while still regarded as an effective player at age 37. He had 56 points in 70 games last season, his best post COVID-19, while his plus-23 was his highest mark in almost a decade.

He totalled more than 900 regular season and playoff points in nearly 1,200 games, highlighted by 555 regular-season assists.

“I have decided to retire from the best league in the world,” Krejci said in a Monday morning release. “When I was drafted in 2004, I had no idea that I would be working with such incredible and driven people who would lead us to three Stanley Cup Finals, and winning the ultimate goal in 2011.

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“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 played all 16 seasons in Boston, save for a decision to spend 2021-22 in his native Czechia for HC Olomouc.

Boston did not have a first-round pick in 2004, but found a gem with Krejci at 63^rd overall. He twice led the NHL in plus-minus in ‘08-‘09 season (+37) and ‘13-14 (+39).

Clutch in playoffs, during the Bruins’ Cup-winning run he led all players with 12 goals, four of them game-winners and 23 points. He’s also tied for second in career playoff points.

Krejci played two years of Canadian junior with Gatineau of the QMJHL.

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“David, for 16 seasons you displayed an unmatched combination of creativity, poise, and wit – with an uncanny knack for coming up clutch – while remaining humble and determined through all your success,” the Bruins posted. “You are a special player, person, and teammate who has made a lasting impact on our organization and our city.”

But it was hoped he’d return after Bergeron retired at 38. Both contributed to Boston’s record-breaking regular season numbers.  Now it’s likely Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle will be relied on to play top six minutes in the middle unless general manager Don Sweeney can work a trade or two before the season opens.

lhornby@postmedia.com

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