According to NHL Feeds, an anonymous player is quoted as saying both Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are leaning towards not returning to the NHL for 2023-24.
Losing either of these guys is bad enough, but both at the same time would send the Bruins into a tailspin roster wise. It would require some quick moves by management to ensure the team can continue to compete near last year's level.
Krejci, 36, returned to Boston last season after spending the previous one in his home country of the Czech Republic. Krejci continued to put up good numbers in 2022-23, with 16 goals and 56 points in 70 regular season games, and another goal and three assists in four playoffs games.
Bergeron, the heart and soul of the Bruins, scored 27 goals and 58 points in the regular season. But only managed to play three out of Boston's seven games in the first round, scoring one goal. At 37, he showed little signs of aging, other than the injury, and can still be a major force for the team. Added to that is the fact that Bergeron is considered one of the best, if not THE best two-way player ever to suit up in the NHL.
Besides all of that, the leadership provided by both Bergeron and Krejci is very difficult to replace. Boston will need to consider all options if both are done playing in the NHL.
Source: Habs Fantatics
POLL | ||
23 JUIN | 1378 ANSWERS Bad News leaks in Boston for Bergeron and Krejci Do you think either Bergeron or Krejci will play next year? | ||
Bergeron, yes. Krejci No | 220 | 16 % |
Krejci, yes. Bergeron, no | 315 | 22.9 % |
Both will play | 367 | 26.6 % |
Neither will play | 476 | 34.5 % |
List of polls |