‘Forever grateful’: Boston Bruins veteran David Krejci announces retirement

Frank O'Laughlin
·1 min read
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Longtime Bruins center David Krejci has announced his retirement from the National Hockey League after 16 seasons in Boston.

Krejci, 37, scored 231 goals, tallied 555 assists, and compiled a total of 786 points in 1,032 games with the Bruins.

He was a key member of Boston’s 2011 Stanley Cup championship team, along with fellow centerman Patrice Bergeron, who called it a career in late July. During the title run, Krejci put up 23 points in 25 playoff games.

Krejci and Bergeron were a mainstay along Boston’s two top forward lines, facilitating the offense and power play attack as the Bruins set records for the most wins and points in a season last year.

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 13: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins talks with David Krejci #46 during Game Six of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 13: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins talks with David Krejci #46 during Game Six of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Pavel Zacha #18 of the Boston Bruins (L) celebrates his first period goal against the New York Rangers and is joined by David Krejci #46 (C) and Charlie McAvoy #73 (R) at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Pavel Zacha #18 of the Boston Bruins (L) celebrates his first period goal against the New York Rangers and is joined by David Krejci #46 (C) and Charlie McAvoy #73 (R) at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 16: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins smiles during his 1000th NHL game in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden on January 16, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Flyers 6-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images )
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 16: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins smiles during his 1000th NHL game in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden on January 16, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Flyers 6-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images )
Boston Bruins' David Krejci (46) returns to the bench after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, April 27, 2021.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Boston Bruins' David Krejci (46) returns to the bench after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, April 27, 2021.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) is congratulated by David Krejci, center, and Taylor Hall (71) after the team's 3-2 win over Buffalo Sabres in a shootout in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) is congratulated by David Krejci, center, and Taylor Hall (71) after the team's 3-2 win over Buffalo Sabres in a shootout in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, April 13, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Bruins forward David Krejci skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y.
Boston Bruins forward David Krejci skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Buffalo, N.Y.
Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) celebrates his goal with Charlie McAvoy (73) and David Krejci during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Boston.
Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) celebrates his goal with Charlie McAvoy (73) and David Krejci during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Boston.
<p> Boston Bruins' David Krejci celebrates his tying goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild in Boston, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) </p>

Boston Bruins' David Krejci celebrates his tying goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild in Boston, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 1: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on April 1, 2016 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/NHLI via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 1: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on April 1, 2016 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/NHLI via Getty Images)
<p> Boston Bruins' David Krejci (46) and Minnesota Wild's Jordan Greenway (18) battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) </p>

Boston Bruins' David Krejci (46) and Minnesota Wild's Jordan Greenway (18) battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

<p>St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, right, defends against Boston Bruins' David Krejci (46), of the Czech Republic, during the first period in Game 7 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final on June 12, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</p>

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, right, defends against Boston Bruins' David Krejci (46), of the Czech Republic, during the first period in Game 7 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final on June 12, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

<p> Boston Bruins' Matt Grzelcyk, left, celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes with David Krejci during the second period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference final series, Sunday, May 12, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) </p>

Boston Bruins' Matt Grzelcyk, left, celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes with David Krejci during the second period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference final series, Sunday, May 12, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

<p> Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, right, works against Boston Bruins forward David Krejci, of the Czech Republic, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, March 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon) </p>

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, right, works against Boston Bruins forward David Krejci, of the Czech Republic, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, March 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)

<p> New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) and Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) reach for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) </p>

New Jersey Devils defenseman Andy Greene (6) and Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) reach for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 30: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins reacts after Florida Panthers defeat the Bruins 4-3 in overtime of Game Seven of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 30: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins reacts after Florida Panthers defeat the Bruins 4-3 in overtime of Game Seven of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 30, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after he scored against the Montreal Canadiens at the TD Garden on March 23, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins won 4-2. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after he scored against the Montreal Canadiens at the TD Garden on March 23, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins won 4-2. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins takes a shot against the Florida Panthers during the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers defeat the Bruins 6-3. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins takes a shot against the Florida Panthers during the third period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers defeat the Bruins 6-3. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

In a statement, Krejci thanked Bruins management, his teammates, coaches, family, and the fans of the Black-and-Gold.

“You have always treated me with nothing but respect and I will be forever grateful,” Krejci said of the Boston faithful. “I will miss playing in front of you, but I am and always will be a Bruin.”

Krejci was drafted in 2004 and made his Boston debut during the 2006-07 season. He was a member of 13 playoff teams and three finals teams.

The departure of Krejci and Bergeron leave the Bruins with a gaping hole in the middle of the lineup.

Read his full statement below:

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.

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.

Thank you to my agents for all you have done for me since my teenage years.

To my mom and dad - Thank you for letting me chase my dream of playing in the NHL. Being a father, I now realize how hard it had to be to send your kid to another continent with no English. Without your support, my NHL dream would still be a dream and not reality.

To my brother Zdenek - We dreamt the same thing as kids but only one of us was fortunate to experience it. You never complained and you were never jealous of me - you were the exact opposite of that. I don’t think you understand how much influence you have had on my career, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my wife Naomi and my kids Elina and Everett - As I’m writing this and hearing you and the kids playing and being really loud it makes me happy that I get to experience it in real life and not over the phone when we are on trips far away. You understood all the hard work I had to put in and all the hours in the summer to get ready for a new season. You always listened when I was in my lows and gave me strength and the right advice. Now it’s time for me to try to be the best husband and father I can be and support you in our next chapter in life.

I want to thank the media - I really appreciate all of you even if I don’t like speaking too much … I will miss you.

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.

DK46

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