The Boston Bruins are approaching the final stage of the 2019-20 regular season. The trade deadline is over, and the Bruins have their roster finished to compete for the Stanley Cup. What’s the new top priority for the Bruins in terms of players’ contracts situation?
It is the extension of Torey Krug‘s expiring contract. Krug is experiencing another marvelous season with 45 points. He probably won’t reach his career-high from the 2017-18 campaign, which counted 59 points. Nevertheless, Krug is on the pace for another 50-point campaign, which would be his fourth in a row.
In the playoffs, Krug has been almost a point-per-game producer. In 64 playoff games, Krug has gathered 46 points. The 28-year-old defenseman has become an internal part of the Bruins’ recent success.
The Bruins should have approximately $20.5 million in salary cap space in the 2020 offseason, assuming the salary cap remains set at $81.5 million (this figure should go up).
The Bruins are in a perfect position to re-sign Krug. However, the money will be the problem, as it usually is.
Boston should have no problem re-signing Krug to a seven-year contract extension, though. It’s believed Krug won’t get more than $8 million per year. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Krug should garner between $7 million and $7.5 million per season on his new contract.
LeBrun added that the Bruins wouldn’t want to make Krug the highest-paid player on their roster. It is possible, though, that he becomes the takes in the most lucrative contract on the Boston ice as David Pastrnak makes $6.67 million per season and David Krejci earns $7.25 million per campaign until 2021.
LeBrun thinks that Krug will head elsewhere on the free-agent market, though.
Will the Bruins manage to get the deal done under $7 million per season? They have to sit down with Krug’s agent and seriously consider their options.
“If I had a situation where I could sign tomorrow, I’d sign tomorrow,” Krug said. “I wish it was done. But I’m not worried about it. I don’t think it’s affecting my play at all. It is what it is.”
While Krug is not bothered, Boston has freed up $3.2 million in the salary cap space at the trade deadline. They have to carefully observe their possibilities with the added cap space. Re-signing Torey Krug should be their top priority as it is not only an enticing idea but their No. 1 priority.
“I’ve played over 500 games in this league,” said Krug. “I’ve done everything this organization’s asked of me in terms of changing my lifestyle, committing myself to play two-way and just being part of this leadership group.”
As the playoffs approach, it would be ideal for both sides to get a deal done soon.
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