David Krejci leaving Boston Bruins to play hockey in Czech Republic

Igor Burdetskiy July 30, 2021

1 1 minute read

A longtime Boston Bruins star announced Friday he will return to the Czech Republic to continue playing hockey.

David Krejci said in a written statement that he plans to leave the Bruins to return home:

“Since the end of the season, as I have thought about my future, it has become clear that I need to make a difficult decision for my family and I,” Krejci wrote. “At this point in my career and life I need to return to the Czech Republic and play in front of my family who sacrificed so much to help me achieve my NHL dreams.”

“I want to play in front of my parents, brother and friends. I want my children to live where I grew up, spend time with so many Czech family members who love them and create lifelong memories,” he wrote.

“I have given everything that I have had to you and the Bruins, and over time, Boston has become a second home to me,” Krejci wrote in the statement.

“I am so thankful for my teammates, the trainers and support staff, coaches and management who have allowed me to be a part of so many great teams,” Krejci wrote.

“So for now, I want to thank all the Bruins fans for the support they have shown my family and I over the last 14 years. I will forever be thankful,” he wrote.

Krejci played in 962 games with the Bruins, who selected him 63rd overall in the 2004 NHL draft. He leaves with 215 goals and 515 assists, skating to a plus-143. He was a member of the Czech Republic’s 2010 and 2014 Olympic men’s hockey teams.

He played for the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup championship team, leading the postseason with 23 points in 25 games. His scoring prowess after the regular season earned the nickname “Playoff Krejci,” as his 124 points in 156 postseason games during his career ranked fifth among players with at least 120 playoff appearances.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!