Bruins F David Krejci retires after 15 seasons

Forward David Krejci, who spent his entire NHL career with the Boston Bruins, announced his retirement on Monday.

Part of the Bruins' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011, Krejci is the ninth-leading scorer in franchise history. He is the second Boston mainstay to retire this offseason, following captain Patrice Bergeron, who announced his departure July 25 after 19 seasons with the club.

"After 15 full NHL seasons I have decided to retire from the best league in the world," Krejci said in a statement. "When I was drafted in 2004, I had no idea 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.

"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."

Krejci, 37, played in 1,032 regular-season games, posting 786 points (231 goals, 555 assists). He added 128 points (43 goals, 85 assists) in 160 playoff games.

The Bruins selected the Czech in the second round (No. 63 overall) in the 2004 draft.

In Bruins history, he also is fifth in games played, fifth in assists and 13th in goals.

Krejci appeared in six games with the Bruins in the 2006-07 season, then became a fixture in the lineup the following season through 2020-21. He played in the Czech Republic's top league in 2021-22 before returning to the Bruins for one final season, when he appeared in 70 regular-season games, tallying 16 goals and 40 assists.

"I will never forget being at the NHL draft table in 2004 when we selected David Krejci," Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said in a club statement. "Our team was thrilled to welcome such an energetic and passionate young player to our roster. Watch Krejci grow into a humble leader through his actions and integrity during his 1,000+ games in a Bruins jersey was tremendous to witness. He will forever be a part of the fabric of the Boston Bruins."