Longtime Boston Bruins center Krejci announces retirement

Longtime Boston Bruins center David Krejci announced his retirement on Monday in a statement released by the team.

“After 15 full NHL seasons I have decided to retire from the best league in the world,” the 37-year-old Czech Republic native said.

“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.”

Krejci made his NHL debut in January 2007 and spent his entire NHL career with the Bruins.

He returned to Boston last season after playing for Czech club HC Olomouc in 2021-22.

In the history of the Bruins franchise, Krejci ranks fifth in games played (1,032), 13th in goals (231), fifth in assists (555) and ninth in points (786).

“David, for 16 seasons you displayed an unmatched combination of creativity, poise, and wit – with an uncanny knack for coming up clutch – while remaining humble and determined through all your success,” the Bruins said in a statement.

“You are a special player, person, and teammate who has made a lasting impact on our organization and our city.

“For all you’ve done for the Boston Bruins, THANK YOU.”

Boston will head into the 2023-24 campaign without its top two centers from a season ago after captain Patrice Bergeron also retired last month.