ECHL referee Logan Gruhl explains how he improves his game and officiating as he works up the ranks. David Krejci [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwMDc0NDcwNTIwNTMwMjk2/usatsi_20287305.jpg] David Krejci It's truly an off-season of change in Beantown. Another Boston Bruins legend has decided to hang up his skates, as David Krejci announced his retirement on Monday morning after 16 NHL seasons. Krejci's announcement comes mere weeks after Patrice Bergeron retired as well, officially closing a chapter in Bruins history. The 37-year-old Krejci rides off into the sunset after 1,032 career regular-season games, all of which were spent with the Bruins, racking up 231 goals and 555 assists for 786 points while registering just 359 penalty minutes. Krejci, of course, also played a central role on the 2011 Bruins team that won a Stanley Cup, elevating his game in the playoffs throughout his career by finishing with 43 goals and 85 assists for 128 points in 160 career post-season games. While Krejci never earned any individual hardware, he did come close on occasion, finishing in the top 15 in Selke voting on two occasions and generally developing a reputation as one of the NHL's most underrated players. "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 three Stanley Cup finals, and winning the ultimate goal in 2011," said Krejci in a statement released on the Bruins' social media channels. "I have made so many great friendships throughout the organization. You have always been there for me whenever I needed something, and I will always be here for you." After spending the 2021-22 season in his native country of Czechia with Olomouc, Krejci came back overseas last season to re-join the Bruins and put forth his highest point total since the 2015-16 campaign, capping off his illustrious career by finishing with 16 goals and 40 assists for 56 points in 70 games to go out on top. And now, a new era in Bruins history begins.
