David Krejci said he would not be returning to the Boston Bruins the next season. He left the NHL after 15 seasons and will now return to the Czech Republic."Since the season's end, I have been thinking about my future and it has become obvious that I must make a hard decision for my family. Krejci released a statement on Friday stating that at this stage in my life and career, I must return to the Czech Republic to play in front my family who have sacrificed so much for me to achieve my NHL dreams. I want to play in front my brother, parents, and friends. "I want my children to grow up where I did."Krejci is a 35-year old center and the Bruins had to make a tough decision this offseason. For the first time, he was eligible for unrestricted agency. He was coming off a six year contract with a cap hit of $7.25million. He had also spoken out about his desire to end his hockey career in the Czech Republic and not return for another season in Boston.Krejci was part of 962 games played by the Bruins. He was drafted 63rd in the 2004 NHL Draft. Krejci leaves the NHL with 215 goals, 515 assists and a plus-143. He was part of the Czech Republic's Olympic men's hockey team in 2010 and 2014.He was a member of the Bruins' Stanley Cup champion team in 2011, scoring 23 points in 25 games. His scoring skills after the regular season earned him the nickname "Playoff Krejci", as his 124 points in the 156 postseason games during the course of his career were fifth among players who have at least 120 playoff appearances."The Bruins have treated me with the greatest respect. He said that he was grateful for his teammates, trainers, support staff, coaches and managers who allowed him to be part of many great teams. "Every Bruins team that I've been part of has been something I loved."Krejci's decision means that the Bruins are without their No. Patrice Bergeron is the 2nd center. Taylor Hall, his left wing, was signed to a 4-year, $24-million deal. Boston has just $1.8 million of open cap space.
