After one year away from the NHL, is David Krejci returning to Beantown?
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said the club and Krejci had "numerous conversations," adding that the team would welcome him back and do "everything I possibly can" to make it work.
Krejci, who has played his entire 14-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins, left the club at the expiration of his contract last off-season to play in his native Czechia. In 51 games with Olomouc HC of the Czech Extraliga, he produced 20 goals and 26 assists.
Krejci's time with the Bruins organization dates back to 2004, when he was drafted in the second round (63rd overall). Since making his debut during the 2006-07 season, Krejci has registered 215 goals, 515 assists, and 730 points through 962 career regular-season games.
He was a massive contributor to the Bruins' Stanley Cup championship in 2011, tallying 12 goals and 23 points in 25 games, and was also a key driver during Boston's Cup Final runs in 2013 and 2019.
The Bruins, who fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1 of this year's playoffs, are facing several possible changes this off-season — adding Krejci would be just the latest.
Franchise centreman Patrice Bergeron's status for next season is still unclear. The four-time Selke Trophy winner is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday, but could also choose to retire. The 36-year-old was scheduled to meet with Bruins management earlier this month to discuss his future, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedmn.
Joe McDonald of the Telegram & Gazette reported that Bergeron has decided to return on a one-year deal, to which Friedman said on June 24:
"Basically, Bergeron’s on vacation right now and he’ll be meeting with the Bruins next week to formalize this. ... I think this is all going to get finalized next week. ... I just think that him coming back is proof that ... the Bruins are not ready to rebuild. They’re going to try to get through the first few months until everyone gets healthy and then bet on themselves in the back end."
Boston will also be without stars Brad Marchand (hip) and Charlie McAvoy (shoulder) for the start of the season and the Bruins have hired a new head coach in Jim Montgomery after firing Bruce Cassidy earlier this month.
David Pastrnak, who led the team with 40 goals this season, is also a year away from free agency.
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