David Krejci’s departure for the Czech Republic leaves a gaping hole for Bruins at No. 2 center - The Boston Globe
Krejci, 35, did not technically retire from the NHL, but noted in a farewell statement that he wants to raise his two kids where he grew up, continue his playing career in front of family and friends, and otherwise enjoy the hockey sunset after years well spent in Black and Gold.
Now comes the angst in patching together the Bruins attack.
Who takes Krejci’s place? There is no obvious, easy answer. Plentiful candidates, yes, including top prospect Jack Studnicka, along with Charlie Coyle, perhaps even newly acquired Nick Foligno or fellow UFA signee Erik Haula.
The term “Playoff Krech, while hardly a myth, did not do justice to the fine work he submitted every year in the months leading to the postseason.
General manager Don Sweeney and coach Bruce Cassidy, both of whom were kept well informed by Krejci that he was leaning toward an exit, at the moment must take the “committee” approach, to use Sweeney’s characterization on Wednesday, in solving the open No. 2 hole.
Coyle has to be considered the likely first candidate, not only for his skill set and pay figure ($5.25M cap hit), but also because he is righthanded, like Krejci, in theory making it easier for him to dish to scoring winger Taylor Hall on the left side.
If Sweeney wants to shop for a more high-profile center, or a defenseman, it appears he’ll have to do that via trade. He won’t deal No. 1 blue liner Charlie McAvoy, which leaves really only left wing Jake DeBrusk and defenseman Brandon Carlo as the roster players potentially the most attractive to bidders.
DeBrusk ($3.675M) and Carlo ($4.1M) also both carry substantial cap hits. Of the two, Sweeney would least want to surrender Carlo, but might be forced into it if a bona fide elite pivot, mid- or late-20s, were to become available.
Keep in mind: Bergeron, now without Krjeci providing Herculean support one spot lower in the order, just turned 36 years old. He also has a combined 1,303 games clocked on the odometer. If someone is dangling a legit big-time center, Sweeney isn’t getting in the bid without Carlo’s name in the mix. Painful, but true.
Chara is gone. Krejci is gone. No telling if Rask ultimately resumes play as a Bruin. The “window of opportunity” to win another Cup with a core framed by the ‘11 win, has not been slammed shut, but by the day it is feeling like a cold and broken hallelujah.
David Krejci has left the building . . . and rebuilding in his absence will not be easy.
