Veteran Krejci aiming to provide spark, guidance for younger B's

David Krejci won’t claim to be a hockey historian, and he’ll admit it took him a while to learn about the Boston Bruins, but he no longer needs Cliffs Notes to appreciate the history of the organization.

The 31-year-old forward doesn’t collect memorabilia. He doesn’t have a trophy case with a signed jersey or stick from Bobby Orr or any other hockey legend. Similar to his style of play, Krejci’s hockey life is simple.

He lives in the moment.

Prior to training camp, fans were thrilled with the influx of youth and the impact players like Charlie McAvoy, Anders Bjork, Jake DeBrusk, Sean Kuraly and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson could have on the Bruins’ success this season and beyond.



Every day coach Bruce Cassidy was asked about a young prospect and what he brings to the team. Every time a rookie had a decent game in the preseason, this cycle continued. While acknowledging the organizational depth, let’s focus on the veteran core, especially Krejci and what is expected of him moving forward.

With puck drop on the 2017-18 season set for Thursday against the Nashville Predators at TD Garden, Krejci’s line will consist of David Pastrnak and DeBrusk – at least to start. There’s no question Krejci has slowed down a bit in his career (two hip surgeries will do that to any player) but playing with two players at least 10 years younger could spark the older legs.

“He still feels that he’s a player that can contribute on this team, and we feel the same way,” Bruins president Cam Neely said. “He came into camp in phenomenal shape. He knows the game’s gotten quicker and he’s worked on it during the offseason. He had an idea he might play with some wingers that have some speed and he’s put the time in.

“He’s excited about getting the regular season going, and he’s excited about playing with these two younger players and see what kind of chemistry they can create. He knows the expectations for him are high, both personally and from the team’s perspective. So I expect good things from David.”

The offseason routines for many veteran players around the league have changed because the game is younger and faster. Zdeno Chara completely changed his strength workouts and focused more on speed and agility.

“That’s the game. That’s the new NHL. Speed,” Krejci said. “We all know what Pasta can do, and Jake’s got good speed and he can also win lots of battles on the wall and in the offensive zone. That really helps my game, and I’m just going to try to keep up. That’s why I worked out the way I did this summer -- to be able to skate with those guys.”

Krejci enters his 12^th season in the league feeling like a new man.

“I know we have some young guys, but I don’t feel old,” Krejci said with a smile. “I feel great. I feel good. I still feel like I have lots of good years ahead of me.”

Krejci is a smart guy. He now understands the deep roots the Bruins have in New England. His legacy is forever etched into the Stanley Cup for the championship he helped bring back to Boston. He still has four years remaining on this current contract, and he wants to win again.

“It’s an honor just to wear this jersey,” Krejci said. “When you get older you realize more what this team is about and you pay attention to the history of the Bruins. When you first come into the league, you’re just focused on making the team, but for me, I didn’t know much about the Bruins. Now, I know a lot.”

Off the ice, he’s mentored younger players, including Pastrnak, who admitted he’s transition to the NHL went a lot smoother with a fellow Czech in the room.

“A lot, obviously,” Pastrnak said. “He’s older than me, we’re from the same country (and) speak the same language, so he really stepped up and helped me the last three years as a person and a player.”

With a quick glance around the locker room, it's easy to tell the landscape is changing in Boston. It’s getting younger and fans will be talking about these current prospects for a long time. Meanwhile, don’t forget about the “old” guys.

“To grow with the organization is pretty cool,” Krejci said.