Over the years, Torey Krug has become a fan favorite in Boston. With the rest of the NHL season in question, it is unknown when or if Krug will again appear in a Bruins jersey.
The Michigan native is set to become a free agent this offseason and there will be many teams interested in his services. Regardless of what the future holds, Krug has had a memorable run in Boston.
Torey Krug made his NHL debut during the 2011-2012 season when he appeared in two games. The undrafted defenseman would only appear in one regular-season game the following year but made his impact felt in the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Rangers, Krug scored four goals in his first five playoff games. He proved to be a spark for the Bruins as they ultimately fell two wins short of winning the Stanley Cup.
Sometimes I think about Torey Krug’s playoff debut, specifically the diving stick check by Adam McQuaid that set up his second goal #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/CKVEwtU9QJ
— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) February 17, 2020
Since that impressive run, Krug has become a mainstay on the Bruins blueline. In 523 games, the 28-year-old has scored 67 goals and recorded 270 assists. Krug has been dangerous on the powerplay, where he has 160 points, including 24 goals. He also has a talent for coming through in the clutch as Krug has overtime goals this season.
Additionally, the veteran defenseman has been productive in the postseason. In 62 playoff games, Krug has 11 goals and 35 assists. In 24 games during the Bruins playoff run last year he 18 had points which were second among all NHL defenseman. Krug also had one of the most memorable hits of the Stanley Cup Final.
Torey Krug’s hit without his helmet on was probably the closest definition of toughness in video form in existence. pic.twitter.com/ORCA8uazFC
— Jack McElwee (@Jack_mac_2) May 28, 2019
Krug’s importance, however, goes beyond the numbers. His skating and puck handling abilities have made him a constant source of offense. Although Krug’s defense sometimes takes a backseat to his offense, he has made the Bruins powerplay consistently one of the leagues best. Krug is also the only player in franchise history with four points in a Stanley Cup Finals game.
With free agency on the horizon, Krug is expected to land a deal with an annual value between seven and eight million dollars. He still has several prime years remaining and has reached the 50 point plateau three times in his career. Krug also provides toughness and veteran leadership.
Welcome back, Kruger.@ToreyKrug | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/0e8J8RTDH8
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 24, 2019
While nothing is certain in free agency, Krug has said that he would be interested in taking less money to stay in Boston. The Bruins created more cap space at the trade deadline when David Backes and Danton Heinen were traded to Anaheim, leaving them more room in free agency.
Although Krug will be one of the most coveted free agents, the Bruins are expected to make one of their top defenseman a priority.
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