David Krejci leaves the Bruins and the NHL entirely

David Krejci has made his decision and it’s not going to please Boston Bruins’ fans. 

Krejci, who has spent his entire 15-year NHL career with the Bruins, announced on Friday in a moving statement that he won’t return to Boston, or the NHL for that matter. 

He has made the decision to go back to Czech Republic to play in front of his family and the ones that have sacrificed so much to help him make his professional dreams come true. 

“At this point in my career and life I need to return to the Czech Republic and play in front of my family who sacrificed so much to help me achieve my NHL dreams,” Krejci said in a statement. “I want to play in front of my parents, brother and friends. I want my children to live where I grew up, spend time with so many Czech family members who love them and create lifelong memories.

“So for now, I want to thank all the Bruins fans for the support they have shown my family and I over the last 14 years. I will forever be thankful.

“This is not goodbye, I will not be a stranger. I will be a Bruin forever. I will see you at the TD Garden soon, and I will always bleed Black and Gold.”

Here is his full statement: 

This is the end of an era. This will be great for Czech hockey, too. 

In 51 games last season, the veteran centre recorded eight goals and 44 points, averaging 17:08 of ice time. In 962 career NHL games, Krejci has 215 goals and 730 points. He won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.