The Unheralded David Krejci
With the NHL All-Star break upon us, I thought it would be time for me to finally write my piece on David Krejci. This is a piece that has been floating in my mind for a while, because I wanted to put into words and ask what exactly does David Krejci mean to you? This is a question that will surely result in different answers across the board. With that in mind, let me begin by telling you what he means to me.
When I went back to read about David, I wanted to see what scouts said about him. Ulf Andersson from Elite Prospects said "Krejci is a very smart center with a great two-way game. He is a terrific passer and play maker with excellent vision. Also has a decent physical game." I almost can't even believe how on point this assessment is from Mr Andersson on a young David Krejci.
Let us flash forward to the season of 2008-2009. This was the first full season of David Krejci here in Boston. Where we saw our first glimpse of what he was capable of doing. This season set the stage for what has been one solid career here in Boston. That season he recorded 22 goals and 51 assist for 73 points. But what has always set him apart to me is just how special he has been in the playoffs.
When you start thinking about a player who has really made his mark in their career, you don't have to look any further. The man played on a different level in the 2011 Stanley Cup run, notching 23 points. The Conn Smythe Trophy ultimately went to Tim Thomas, but his work in that playoff run should go down in Bruins Folklore. The Bruins would be knocked out the next season in 7 games by the Washington Capitals before heading back to the cup finals the following year against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 2012-2013 playoff run was another spectacular run for Krejci as he notched 26 points in that run that had them come up short in their quest for the Cup. This would be the second time in his career where he lead the NHL in playoff scoring.The 2014-2015 season is where we saw Krejci play his lowest games total in at only 47 games, as injuries derailed his season. This would be a season in which the Bruins wouldn't see the postseason. The following season wouldn't be any better as the Bruins got bounced by the Ottawa Senators, 4 -2. This was his lowest point total in going zeroes across the board. He would bounce back in the next two seasons in the playoffs getting 10 points in 12 games in 2017-2018 followed by 16 points in last years run.
When you look at his play overall he's been a consistent player. The stats back it up. What you get from David Krejci isn't always felt on the stat sheet, but in the locker room with his team. I see a lot of people complaining about him on social media. The man has been grossly underappreciated in my opinion with fans of the team. What's the main problem I hear often? His salary. There are also people who talk about his compete level on the ice saying he is soft and injury prone. You can argue individual points about Krejci, but taken as a whole, you can't find a lot of faults. When it is all said and done with David Krejci here in Boston, I hope the majority of fans can look back and realize just what he has meant to this team. The end is inevitable whether it be this off-season or at the end of his contract. There is one thing I know for a fact: I will miss seeing number 46 on the ice wearing Black and Gold. There have been a lot of players throughout this lineup over the years. But Krejci has always been a key piece in this current core.
That is all for now Bruins fans. Let's hope for better days with this team going forward. We have 31 games left until the playoffs begin. The time is now for this team. The core isn't getting any younger and whatever we can get from a healthy Krejci will go along way into how this season ultimately ends.