With a large number of teams likely to make substantial changes and a number of senior players poised to reach the open market as unrestricted free agents, the National Hockey League's offseason is building up to be extremely exciting.
If he does not sign a new deal over the next few days, Boston Bruins veteran centerman David Krejci will be one of those free agents. Krejci, who has played over a thousand games with the Bruins in the regular season and playoffs, has spent his whole career in Boston, but during his departure interview following a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the New York Islanders, he expressed his disappointment.
Speaking to members of the media Krejci, as he has done in the past, once again reiterated his desire to end his career in his native country of the Czech Republic.
"You guys write a lot that I always wanted to play in Czech, to finish my career in Czech, which has not changed," admitted Krejci this week. "I still at one point would like to finish my career in Czech, for different reasons now than when I said it. I would like my kids to speak my language because my parents don't speak any English.... I would like them to learn the language."
Playing in Czech is one thing but playing for another NHL team is another matter entirely. However when it came to questions about possibly resigning with the Bruins or even when reporters pressed him about the possibility of signing with another organization for more money, or more term, Krejci appeared very evasive as if he was keeping something close to the vest.
