As the Bruins prepare for the upcoming season, they will be looking to avenge a disappointing playoff exit. While their roster will look mostly the same, Boston was able to sign Craig Smith to a three-year deal. The Bruins are hoping that Smith can boost the secondary scoring as they try to win one last championship with their current core. However, one player entering unfamiliar territory is David Krejci, who is on the last year of his current deal.
A Constant in the Lineup
Over the last decade-plus, Krejci has been a staple on the Bruins second line. Since making his NHL debut in 2006, Krejci has appeared in 911 regular-season games for the Black and Gold. In that span, he has scored 207 goals and recorded 479 assists. Krejci has also been a constant presence on the Bruins second powerplay unit, where he has 91 career points.
David Pastrnak ties it up.
What a feed from David Krejci. pic.twitter.com/qp9zi54uA9
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) September 1, 2020
Postseason Prowess
Additionally, in the postseason, Krejci has excelled and had some of the Bruins best playoff performances. In 145 playoff games, Krejci has recorded 40 goals and 75 assists. During the Bruins 2010- 2011 and 2012-2013 playoff runs, the Bruins center led the league in points. Krejci’s play has placed him in impressive company as his 115 playoff points are the second-most in franchise history.
Furthermore, during Krejci’s tenure in Boston, he has shown a flair for the dramatic. In the regular season and playoffs, Krejci has 48 game-winning goals combined. His value was on full display last season as he spent time on the Bruins top line when injuries hit. While Krejci has rarely had constant wingers, he has always found ways to succeed and been one of the Bruins most productive players.
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
The End of an Era?
Despite Krejci’s success, his days in Boston may be winding down. The veteran center said in April that he does not plan on retiring. Krejci also would most likely have to take a pay cut to stay in Boston. Additionally, the Bruins have made it clear that they want to get younger at the center position and have prospect Jack Studnicka ready to claim a spot with John Beecher in the minors.
Regardless of how next season plays out, Krejci has left a mark on Boston that will never be forgotten. He ranks among the franchise leaders in many offensive categories including eighth in points and has played in a total of 1,056 total games for the Bruins. With the future of Zdeno Chara uncertain, the Bruins have started to move on from the 2011 championship core. However, Krejci will always be a critical piece of that championship team and the success of the franchise over the last decade-plus.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
