David Krejci Announces His Retirement

Boston Bruins forward David Krejci announced his retirement today following 16 seasons in the NHL, all with the Black and Gold.

The 2011 Stanley Cup Champion released a statement via the Boston Bruins website:

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

David Krejci has announced his retirement. #NHLBruins
📷: @NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/r60OrOmHIf

— Full Press Hockey (@FullPressNHL) August 14, 2023

Krejci’s retirement announcement shouldn’t come as any surprise as he spent the 2021-22 season away, however, it does come on the heels of Patrice Bergeron’s retirement just a few weeks ago. Needless to say, the Boston Bruins will look drastically different, as it will be the first time since 2003 that the roster doesn’t include Krejci and/or Bergeron.

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Drafted in the second round of the 2004 NHL Draft, Krejci made his debut with the Bruins in 2007, where he helped lead them to a Stanley Cup just four years later. Throughout his 16-year career, Krejci played in 1,032 regular season games scoring 231 goals and adding 555 assists. Over the span of 160 playoff games, Krejci added another 43 goals and 85 assists in helping the Bruins reach three Stanley Cup Finals during his tenure.

“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 3 Stanley Cup Finals, and winning the ultimate goal in 2011. I have made so many great friendships throughout the organization. You have always been there for me whenever I needed something and I will always be here for you.

To my teammates – I have been very lucky to be on so many good teams and play with so many great players. You always start as coworkers but end as friends, and I’m so proud to have met some of my closest friends over the years. That’s the best part about our sport. Thank you to all the coaching staffs I was lucky to have in my career – I was coached by some of the best coaches in the world.”

In his return to the NHL last season, Krejci slid right back into his second-line center role and had a 56-point season, tallying 16 goals and 40 assists in 70 games. The Bruins will now have to move on to life after Krejci (and Bergeron), even if the fans are quite ready to.

“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.”