Over the past 13 years, David Krejci has been a constant presence on the Bruins second line. The Czech native made his NHL debut during the 2006-2007 season. Since then, he has been one of the most under-appreciated forwards in Bruins history. After next season, however, he will be a free agent, and while he would like to stay in Boston, the Bruins will have a tough decision to make.
Although Krejci does not have the scoring touch of Patrice Bergeron or Brad Marchand, he has been a key piece of the Bruins offense for the last decade. The veteran center has always found success despite constantly changing linemates.
David Krejci was a game-time decision.
We're quite happy he played.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/TKwNQpcFb1
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 22, 2020
In 905 regular season games, Krejci has scored 205 goals and recorded 480 assists. During the 2018-2019 season, the former second-round pick tied his career-high with 73 points. Krejci also had three seasons with 50 assists or more and has a career plus-minus rating of 14.
While Krejci has performed well in the regular season, he has excelled in the playoffs. In 132 postseason games, the former 33rd overall pick has 36 goals and 64 assists. In the 2011 and 2013 playoffs, Krejci led the NHL in points. He was one of the main reasons why the Bruins were able to bring a championship to Boston in 2011 and fell two games short in 2013.
David Krejci's one-time blast from the point is your @JagermeisterUSA Shot of the Game. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/9dBINPTmnN
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 15, 2019
For the first half of Krejci’s career, he was able to pile up points with teammates such as Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton on his wings. Over the past few seasons, however, his linemates have varied but Krejci’s production has stayed the same. Last season, Krejci found himself in the middle of more than 10 line combinations that played at least 15 minutes of even strength.
Additionally, this season, he was in the midst of another solid year. In 61 games, Krejci had 13 goals and 30 assists. While the season is currently on hold, Krejci’s future is unclear with only one more guaranteed year left in Boston. In a conference call with the media on Monday, when asked about his future, Krejci said that he was not planning on retiring after next year.
David Krejci's top corner snipe to put the game away is tonight's @JagermeisterUSA shot of the game. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/esik0sszrg
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 5, 2020
While Krejci’s production over the years has been vital, Boston signed Charlie Coyle to a six-year extension earlier this season. They also have prized prospect Jack Studnicka waiting in Providence.
Regardless of what the future holds, Krejci’s run in Boston has been special. During his tenure, the Bruins have appeared in three Stanley Cup finals and made 10 postseason appearances. The veteran center also is one of the six players in franchise history to have 100 career points in the postseason. Given his track record, Krejci should be able to help a team beyond next season the only question is what team it will be.
