By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter @TCalauttis
After 16 seasons with the Boston Bruins, David Krejci has officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League. Krejci, who spent all 16 NHL seasons in black and gold, will go down as one of the greatest and most underrated players in franchise history. The Czech-native leaves behind a legacy of clutch moments and sentimental memories as he steps away from the game.
Krejci first joined the Bruins when he was selected 63rd overall in the second round of the 2004 NHL Draft. Throughout his 16 NHL seasons, Krejci played 1,032 games, scoring 231 goals and dishing out 555 assists for 786 points and a plus-166. He has firmly cemented his place in the history of this franchise, playing in 1,032 games (fifth all-time), compiling 555 assists (fifth all-time), and posting 786 points (ninth all-time).
His regular season play was always commendable, but it never told the whole story. David Krejci made his most significant and profound impact on the ice when the lights shined brightest. Krejci led the Bruins in scoring during the 2011 Stanley Cup run, producing 12 goals, 11 assists, and 23 points. He led the Bruins in scoring again when they returned to the Stanley Cup in 2013 (nine goals, 17 assists, 26 points). The centermen played a total of 160 playoff games producing 43 goals (sixth all-time) and 85 assists (second all-time) for an impressive 128 playoff points (4th all-time).
Krejci returned to the Boston Bruins in the 2022-23 season following a one-year stint with the Olomouc Hockey Club in the Czech Republic. During his final season, Krejci was able to play in his 1,000th NHL game for the Boston Bruins and take part in the greatest regular season in NHL history. Even in the devastating game seven loss to the Florida Panthers, Krejci left everything on the ice, scoring a goal and adding two assists.
David Krejci has always been an unsung hero in this city and with this franchise. He was never the face of the franchise and never received any of the fanfare or accolades of his teammates. That wasn’t who David Krejci was. His legacy will be one of consistency and reliability. He was always there when the team needed him most and loomed his largest when the stage was biggest. David Krejci is an all-time Bruin who one day deserves to be inducted into the Bruins Hall of Fame and have his number raised to the rafters.
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