HUGE BOOST: Former Boston Bruins superstar is Available Again for a huge deal
When defenseman Torey Krug departed from the Boston Bruins on October 9, 2020, it stirred disappointment among many Bruins supporters, given his integral role in the team’s two Stanley Cup Final appearances. However, the decision was influenced by the hefty $6.5 million salary cap hit, compounded by Krug’s prior refusal of a contract offer from the Bruins.
There was speculation about Krug’s efficacy down the line, considering his stature and the duration of his new contract with the St. Louis Blues, set to expire seven years later. While Krug’s departure was a bitter pill to swallow, as of the summer of 2024, Bruins’ General Manager Don Sweeney’s judgment appears vindicated.
The Blues are now weighing the option of buying out Krug’s contract following two underwhelming seasons, marked by a cumulative minus-56 rating and recurring injury setbacks. Krug, an undrafted free agent, holds a no-trade clause and has three years remaining on his contract, rendering him challenging to trade. Nonetheless, should the team opt for a buyout, attracting interest from other teams is likely, given Krug’s prowess as a power-play strategist and his wealth of postseason experience.
In “Mornings w/ Matty: Offseason Outlook,” the big question looms: will the Bruins consider reaching out to Torey Krug for a possible return to Boston, possibly on a short-term, budget-friendly contract? Krug’s tenure in Boston was notable, spanning 523 regular-season games where he notched 67 goals, 277 assists, and maintained a plus-23 rating, including a significant contribution of 161 power play points.
However, this past season saw a decline in Krug’s performance, tallying just 13 power-play assists and ending with a minus-31 rating over 77 games, averaging roughly 22 minutes of ice time per game. At 33 years old, Krug’s age is becoming a factor, particularly given his smaller stature. Yet, a return to Boston could offer him a role as a third-pair defenseman behind Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei, potentially easing his workload.
Such a move might also benefit the Bruins, especially considering the departure of Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort as unrestricted free agents. Krug’s potential signing would only make sense for Boston if it were a one-year contract with a modest salary, given his recent performance and advancing age.