Bruce Cassidy's Firing Had No Influence on Bergeron, Krejci's Returns

Bruce Cassidy's dismissal from Boston's bench came as a surprise to many, as the team was generally successful under his supervision. Rumors that he was too demanding of players helped shed light on the decision to let him go.

Additional rumors swirled that Cassidy was the roadblock standing in the way of David Krejci's return, and to a lesser degree Patrice Bergeron. Those rumors were quashed, when the Golden Knights new coach spoke out regarding a conversation between him and the Bruins' captain:

Bergeron underwent surgery at the end of 2021-22, and his career has been anything but seamless. He's battled intense injuries like a punctured lung and a fractured foot, so it makes a ton of sense that Bergeron wanted to take some time to figure out the best path forward. Plus, at the ripe-old age of 37, he is not the spry young buck he once was. Ergo, it only gets more and more difficult for him to maintain his high-level of play. Which makes his performance last season all the more impressive.

As for Krejci, his reasons for going overseas start and end with family. After spending 17 seasons in North America, the global events over the past couple years put immense stress on his family, so it was in his best interest to be more present in his home country.

Krejci's return to the Bruins mostly has to do with the fact that the team only has one, maybe two more kicks at the can. As such, he clearly felt that he can help push the needle and get the Bruins past the first and second round of the playoffs.

Cassidy also spoke about Jake DeBrusk, whose trade request was rescinded just a month after the coach's dismissal. He doesn't have any regrets over his management of DeBrusk, as Brad Marchand and Taylor Hall both occupy spots on the Bruins' left side, making DeBrusk, at most, the third best LW.

Under Cassidy, the Bruins posted a regular-season record of 245-108-46. They made the playoffs each year and reached the Finals in 2019, where they fell to the St. Louis Blues.

(Kayla Douglas, The Score)

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