NHL, the Extraliga or the end? Five options where David Krejci will land

Czech national team forward David Krejci is probably still unclear about his immediate future. At the end of his hockey career, however, he is still tempted by the World Championship at home. Therefore, it is quite possible that we will still see the 37-year-old native of Šternberk in action. The question is, where?

Last year, David Krejci announced a spectacular comeback when he spent a season in Olomouc. There was speculation that this season might be the last of the experienced forward’s career.

Yet he still found his taste when he announced his comeback to the NHL, where he helped Boston to the best regular season in league history. But the Bruins unexpectedly fell out of the playoffs in the first round. Krejci was also sidelined by injuries and the end of the season was very bitter for him.

Now the seasoned center is on the ropes. He’d like to finally be able to devote himself to his family, but there’s one more big challenge worth pursuing. The domestic hockey championship in May. It is quite possible that this will be one of the biggest motivations for him to put on his skates again.

However, it won’t happen without proper training and game pace. That’s why Krejci will have to consider one of the options where he could appear next season. Here are the most likely ones.

Boston Bruins

Last year, he returned to familiar surroundings as if he hadn’t left at all. His year in the Czech Extraliga left virtually no mark on him, and he was once again one of Boston’s best and most reliable. He would probably be able to build on his performance in the next season.

There will certainly be interest from an organization that will celebrate 100 years of existence next season. Especially after the end of Patrice Bergeron’s career. But at the same time, Krejci would also run the risk that if he makes it to the Stanley Cup playoffs, a domestic championship could slip through his fingers.

HC Olomouc

Returning home would probably be the most logical choice. Both in terms of family and the World Championship. He was in Olomouc before last season, and according to his own words, he was very happy there. It’s safe to say that if Krejci really wants a championship, Olomouc would be a more likely option than Boston.

HC Oceláři Třinec

One of them is that he has been in Třinec in the youth categories (similar to Richard Panik). Plus, he would have his childhood friend Petr Vrana on hand, who is the Ocelar’s captain and signed a new contract in the spring. It’s hard to imagine Krejci looking for another destination in the league besides Olomouc. But of course, it can’t be ruled out.

Switzerland

This would be an ideal compromise between almost everything. In Switzerland, Krejci would probably get an even more attractive salary than in Třinec. It’s not two hours from home, but it’s not halfway across the world either. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Swiss national league is considered the second best in the world. However, it should also be noted that there have been no indications of this move anywhere. Pure speculation.

End of career

Or indeed, David Krejci will definitely hang up his skates for good. It’s certainly an option that can’t be ruled out. Krejci has been thinking about the end of his career for a long time. Quitting after the NHL season was certainly one of the options that flashed through his mind more than once.

It is also to be expected that if the player with the number 46 decides to continue, he will jump back into the hockey carousel in the offseason. And maybe at the spring championship in Prague he will once again work with his friend David Pastrňák, who was significantly weakened by Boston in the NHL before the next season.

Source: Ruik, NHL