When defenseman Torey Krug left the Boston Bruins on October 9, 2020, many Bruins fans were upset by the team losing a core member who had helped the team to two Stanley Cup Final appearances. However, the salary cap hit at the time was a steep $6.5 million and the Bruins had offered Krug a contract previously but the former Michigan State star declined.
The debate was whether the 5-foot-9, 185-pound left-shot defenseman would still be effective seven years later when his new contract with the St. Louis Blues would expire. The loss of Krug was a tough one, but fast forward to the summer of 2024 and Bruins’ General Manager Don Sweeney seemed to make the right decision.
The Blues are now contemplating a buyout of Krug’s contract after two subpar seasons which saw Krug post a combined minus-56 and injury troubles. The undrafted free agent has a no-trade clause and three years remaining on his contract making him very difficult to trade. However, if the team buys Krug out and assumes the cost of the deal, then teams will certainly inquire about the services of a player who is a good power-play quarterback with postseason experience.
The question is will the Bruins reach out to Krug to potentially bring him back to Boston on a short-term, low-cost contract? Krug performed well in Boston over 523 regular season games, posting 67 goals and 277 assists with a plus-23 rating. Krug totaled 161 power play points as well.
This season, Krug had just 13 power-play assists and was a minus-31 in 77 games playing about 22 minutes per game on ice. At 33 years old, time is turning against the undersized Krug, but in Boston, the Livonia, Michigan native can be a third-pair defenseman behind Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei. It might be a potential fit to have Krug play lesser minutes 5-on-5 with some power play time as Boston struggled with the man advantage this season.
If the Blues move on from Torey Krug, Boston could be calling, especially with Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort leaving as unrestricted free agents. The only way signing Krug is worth it for Boston is if it is a one-year, low-salary deal.
Season 4. Episode 39. The Off Season – Bruins Benders Podcast
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Give the opportunity to one of the kids. Loved Kriug at that time but not now at any price. Too often injured.