Krejci is on a decline? Based on what?

Well based on points alone he’s gone down over the past three seasons, and just watching him in general he looks like he was just going through the motions (this past postseason he picked it up a bit as I mentioned). He’s always been a great possession guy but wouldn’t it be worth the move now before things go downhill further?

I'm not sure the Sens would want Krejci, a 32 year old centre, considering their current position. They would be even less eager to swap him for a 27 year old centre who is still in his prime. Furthermore, Krejci has a no movement clause on his contract and I seriously doubt he would waive it to go to Ottawa right now. I like the idea of getting Duchene, but it wouldn't happen in this deal. Take out Krejci and add in prospects or young NHLers and maybe it would fly, but otherwise no.

Also, Duchene isn't exactly a player we need as of now. We have a bit of a logjam at centre, so if we were to get him he would most likely end up being a winger. The better options for us right now would be to trade for a winger, like Skinner perhaps, instead of trading for a centre and playing him out of his natural position.

Last season

Duchesne 49 pts in 68 games

Krejci 44 pts iin 64 games

So why are we giving up a 1st and a prospect? Name brand recognition? He only has 1 year left as well. Come down in price and we talk.

I see what youre saying I just figured they wouldn’t bite because they’re in a rebuild, so for them to take on age and give up someone younger I sweetened the pot for them, Duchene also had less points on a bad team and Krejci could probably produce more being on a good team.

The contract aspect is that we save money and can rework Duchenes after his contract is up. Gives us room to see where our younger centers are while we are competitive with our older core.

I think he would make a good stopgap as we see who develops or not, his contract is shorter so if someone steps into a role we can work around that. I’m aware the B’s need a winger but at the same time we haven’t seen how Bjork could develop so getting a winger delays him or other prospects from stepping into the lineup.

Oh, i understand the logic. I don’t think Sens do it. And i think if it was a LW rather than Zach S i’d feel better from B’s end.

You know I'm so glad that you have Bergeron as your profile picture because I'd guess he's your favorite player right?

Yes, I love his two way game and how he plays with his heart on his sleeve. Ultimate team guy, and in general my biggest role model.

Perfect, it'll make this even easier then because you'll have a good idea of the measuring stick.

*Disclaimer - For some of you folks I will sound like a broken record and I'm sorry, but I feel like I have this discussion weekly now

Over the last 3 season here is the production totals of Bergeron vs Krejci

Bergeron - 223 GP / 83G / 101A / 184pts
Krejci - 218 GP / 57G / 104A / 161pts

So in total over the last 3 season, Bergeron has managed 23 more points than Krejci (just over 7 more points a season). However, Bergeron has had the luxury of playing with elite wingers like Marchand & Pastrnak while Krejci has had a revolving door of wingers including:

DeBrusk
Spooner
Nash
Eriksson
Cehlarik
Beleskey
Hayes
Stempniak

Of these guy Nash is really the only top 6 guy. DeBrusk was a rookie and while he had a good year, he's was a surprise breakout for the B's. Now how much does this play a factor in production. Well look at Krejci's linemates vs Bergeron's last year:

Pastrnak - 35G/45A
Marchand - 34G/51A

DeBrusk - 16G/27A
Spooner* - 9G / 16A
Nash* - 3G/3A

*Only GP with Boston

Combined, Krejci's linemates produced 28G/46A. The entire trio of wingers Krejci had last year wasn't even good enough (combined) to beat what Marchand or Pastrnak did on their own.

Krejci while playing with inferior talent to Bergeron is not only producing offensively almost just as well, but Krejci over the last 3 season ranks 30th among centerman in points. That's why I have a hard time with the statement that Krejci is "slowing down" especially when during the 2016-2017 season Krejci had more points than Bergeron.

Now is Krejci's defense to the level of Bergeron? no, but honestly there maybe 2-3 other centerman in the NHL are even close. At the end of the day, Krejci is still a very good centerman whose been a victim of (for the most part) being asked to make 3rd line wingers/centers produce like 2nd line wingers. I mean look at his situation right now. He's got DeBrusk on his LW and as of this moment, but no one has a clue who his RW will be. Not because the season hasn't started, but because Boston doesn't have a legit top 6 RW. So again barring a trade, Krejci will be asked to carry a 2nd year (possible sophomore slump) Left winger and a young kid who may have limited to no NHL experience or a guy whose talent is more of a bottom 6 guy.

BTW if I did move him it wouldn't be for Duchene. IMO its more than a coincidence that the Av's went from the worst team in the NHL to a playoff team (taking last year WC Champ 6 games) and OTT went from being 1 win away from a SCF appearance to the 2nd worst team in the NHL and the common denominator in the whole thing is Duchene

That’s a great argument, and that puts a hole in my slowing down comment. While you have proof that he can still produce, I just watch him compared to how he used to play and he really seems less invested and going through the motions. The only other thing I could say is would you find it at all possible that his wingers were more so helping him produce rather than the other way around? I’m aware of Krejcis pedigree and have always loved him but sometimes tough decisions can lead to great (or terrible) results.

Last thing trading him for duchene might not be the best move but how about a different center? Would you have a preference or choice you’d rather see?

I don't think he's less invested, I just think its his style of play. He's very smooth and methodical with his game that he makes it look effortless and sometimes it seems like he's not invested. I've had similar feelings before too, trust me. The more and more I watching him though I realize its just his style and it works. I'm not sure I'd say his wingers helped him and here is why:

Lucic - was a consistent 60 point player until his final year in Boston before being traded. That year Krejci only played in 47 of 82 games
Eriksson - in his last year with Boston he managed 30 goals and 63 points on Krejci's line. His first two years in Vancouver how a total of 47 points
Nash - comparing his P/GP from NYR to Boston, his production increased 17% after going to Boston.

Krejci's teammates love the guy. I was actually just watching something the other day where DeBrusk talked about how much of a huge help Krejci was for him in his rookie year and how close they became. Obviously there is a reason that Krejci wears an "A" on his sweater and is part of a captaincy trio with Bergeron and Chara.

As for trading for a different center, sure I'd do it. However It would need to be a younger similar producing (or potential to) centerman. Problem is what team is going to trade a young centerman for Krejci if they produce at a similar rate?

Well I appreciate your time, I respect your views and I’m sure I’ll be talking to you elsewhere in the forums. I assume you’re a Bruins fan?

You as well. Its nice to run across someone who you can have a discussion vs a pissing contest. I am a B's fan as well. I know it's tough to tell, but the my profile picture is of B's prospect Jeremy Swayman when he played for team USA last year