Photo: Larry MacDougal/CP
Boston Bruins centerman David Krejci will not sign a new contract in the NHL. He has decided to return to his home in the Czech Republic. The announcement was made on the Boston Bruins Twitter account on Friday.
A statement from David Krejci.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/M0djYuRAMb
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 30, 2021
“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. 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,” Krejci said in a statement Friday. “I want to play in front of my parents, brother and friends. I want my children to live where I grew up.”
Krejci leaves the Bruins without a No. 2 center behind Patrice Bergeron. They did re-sign his left wing from last season, Taylor Hall, to a four-year, $24 million deal. Boston has just over $1.8 million in open cap space.
“The Bruins organization has treated me with the utmost respect. 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,” he said. “I have loved every Bruins team I have been a part of.”
The 35-year-old Czech has spent his entire 15-year NHL career with Boston. In total, he played 962 league matches and scored 730 (215 + 515) points.
By Jon Sorensen
