After a memorable return to the NHL and the Boston Bruins this past season, following a year in his native Czech Republic, David Krejci has officially announced his retirement from the National Hockey League.
Amid uncertainty about his hockey future after the recent season’s conclusion, Krejci revealed his decision on Monday to step away from the NHL.
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“After enjoying 15 full seasons in the NHL, I have chosen to retire from the premier league in the world of hockey. I want to express my gratitude to Cam Neely and Don Sweeney for granting me the time to carefully consider and announce my decision,” Krejci stated in his retirement announcement.
Krejci initially made his NHL debut during the 2006-07 season, although he only participated in six games at that time.
Throughout his illustrious NHL tenure, Krejci exclusively donned the Boston Bruins jersey, having been selected by the franchise as the 63rd overall pick in the 2004 draft.
One of the pinnacle moments of David Krejci’s career came in 2011, when he celebrated a Stanley Cup victory with the Bruins. As he concludes his NHL journey, Krejci leaves behind an impressive record of 1,032 games played and 786 points accrued, complemented by his contributions in 160 playoff matchups, during which he tallied 128 points.
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In his heartfelt retirement statement, Krejci recollected his journey from being drafted into the NHL, highlighting the experiences that shaped his exceptional career.
Demonstrating the camaraderie that characterized his time with the Bruins, Krejci extended gratitude to his teammates, recognizing their shared journey and the friendships forged on the ice. He conveyed, “To my teammates – I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to be part of numerous exceptional teams and to play alongside such remarkable players. Our relationships evolved from colleagues to friends, and I’m immensely proud to have established some of my closest friendships through this sport. That’s the true beauty of our game.”
Krejci also took a moment to bid farewell to Bruins fans and the city of Boston. He expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering respect and support he received throughout his tenure. “And to Bruins fans and the city of Boston – THANK YOU. You’ve consistently shown me nothing but respect, and I am eternally grateful. While I’ll miss the experience of playing in front of you, I will forever remain a Bruin at heart.”
David Krejci’s decision to retire comes on the heels of his longtime teammate Patrice Bergeron also announcing his departure from the NHL a few weeks ago.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, David Krejci’s hockey trajectory commenced in the Czech Republic, with his talents eventually leading him to be drafted by the Bruins in 2004. After his time with HC Kladno, he continued to hone his skills with the Gatineau Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for two seasons.
While Krejci initially embarked on his professional career in the AHL, he swiftly transitioned to the NHL during the 2006-07 season, appearing in six games. The subsequent season marked his full-time integration into the league as a key player for the Boston Bruins.
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With an impressive tally of 1,032 NHL games and an impressive 786 points, David Krejci made an indelible mark on the sport. His pivotal role in securing the 2011 Stanley Cup and his distinction as a recipient of the NHL’s plus-minus award in both 2009 and 2014 solidified his place as a beloved figure throughout his tenure with the Boston Bruins.
