"Since the end of the season, I've been thinking a lot about my future and it became clear that I had to make a difficult decision for my family and myself. At this point in my career and life, I absolutely must return to the Czech Republic to be able to play in front of my family who has sacrificed so much so that I can fulfill my dream of playing in the NHL. I want to play in front of my parents, my brothers and my friends. I want my kids to live where I grew up and spend time with many Czech families, with whom they can create memories," he wrote.
It was a touching testimony from the former Canadiens nemesis. Love him or hate him, one has to respect the individual, as well as the exceptional athlete that he is.
Krejci, 35, has accumulated 730 points, including 215 goals, during his time in Massachusetts. He was a second round pick of the Bruins in the 2004 NHL Draft. Krejci has always been the perfect profile of the second center. A versatile player, used for all purposes and who brings his share of offense, hence his five seasons of 60+ points. He won the Stanley Cup only once, in 2011, against the Vancouver Canucks.
He would have been a prime candidate to replace Phillip Danault with the Montreal Canadiens. A player of his talent could have clearly taught a lot to the young Suzuki, Kotkaniemi and Evans. However, we can easily understand his decision.
