Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of the NHL
- Name: David Krejci
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 192 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-08-24
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Sternberk, Czech Republic
- Acquired: 2004 NHL Entry Draft by Boston
- Playing In: Pro
David Krejci
Prospect Grade: 8.0 B (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
David Krejci joined the Trinec team prior to the 9th grade. He played his midget and early junior days for Trinec before switching to the Kladno team before the 2003-04 season. Krejci performed at many tournaments on the international stage, including the 2004 Under-18 WJC and a three-game series against Finland for the Czech Under-19 team.
2003-04: Krejci played for Kladno during 2003-04 and put up 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists) and 37 penalty minutes in 50 games.
2004-05: He joined the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL for the 2004-05 season, where he finished as the second highest scoring player on the team with 63 points (22 goals, 41 assists) in 61 games. He was a first round selection for the Olympiques (6th overall) in the 2004 CHL European Entry Draft and also part of the bronze medal winning Czech team in the 2005 World Junior Competition.
2005-06: Krejci completed his second year in the QMJHL with another impressive run for Gatineau, where he served as one of the team’s captains. Despite some injury troubles earlier in the season, Krejci managed to put together a strong 55-game campaign where he totaled 81 points (27 goals, 54 assists) and 54 penalty minutes. He posted 16 power-play goals, five game winners and ranked 13th among all centers in the league. Krejci also participated in the 2006 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship. Though the Czech Republic was unable to finish in the top three, Krejci compiled a total of six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in six games
Krejci signed a three-year contract with the Bruins in 2006.
2006-07: Already on his way to a successful rookie season in the AHL, Krejci took over the reins as the leading scorer following the departure of Kris Versteeg. He averaged more than a point per game, with a total 74 points (31 goals, 43 assists) in 69 contests. Krejci finished out the regular season ranked 13th overall in the league in scoring and third among all rookies. He consistently brought a high level of competition, no matter the opposition, and had a strong physical element to his game. He scored seven power-play goals and led the team with three shortanded. Krejci was also named rookie of the year for Providence.
Janine Pilkington contributed to this profile
Talent Analysis
Krejci won't be a huge physical presence, but still shows that he isn't afraid of taking a hit to make a play. He drives hard to the net and is willing to dig for the pucks in corners. Krejci's strongest asset is his elite skill. He possesses soft hands and is is a smooth puckhandler. Krejci is adequate in the faceoff circle and is a solid stickhandler. Krejci has very good shooting skills, with a highly accurate wrist shot. He has good vision and hockey sense and makes smart, crisp passes. Krejci generally makes good decisions with the puck and is an excellent playmaker. He isn't afraid of playing in heavy traffic and shows remarkable poise once on a scoring chance. The defensive side of Krejci's game is about average, he won't hurt you defensively, but also won't rule as a backchecking forward. Krejci also owns a tremendous work ethic.
Future
Krejci has excelled at every level he's played, and should continue to thrive at the next level. A hard-working, playmaking center, he has the ability to play on one of the top two lines in the NHL.
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2003-04 | HC Kladno (CZE U20) | 50 | 23 | 37 | 60 | +6 | 37 |
| 2004 | HC Kladno (CZE U20) | 7 | 3 | 6 | 9 | +2 | 4 |
| 2004-05 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) | 62 | 22 | 41 | 63 | -9 | 31 |
| 2005 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) | 10 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -1 | 10 |
| 2005-06 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) | 55 | 27 | 54 | 81 | +3 | 54 |
| 2006 | Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) | 17 | 10 | 22 | 32 | 0 | 24 |
| 2006-07 | Providence Bruins (AHL) | 69 | 31 | 43 | 74 | +2 | 47 |
| 2006-07 | Boston Bruins (NHL) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -3 | 2 |
| 2007 | Providence Bruins (AHL) | 13 | 3 | 13 | 16 | +6 | 22 |
Profile Last Updated: April, 18th 2008
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