Blues D-man Torey Krug to Undergo Surgery, Out for Season

The St. Louis Blues defenseman, Torey Krug, will undergo ankle surgery and is set to miss the entirety of the 2024-25 NHL season.

Last month, the team revealed that Krug had been diagnosed with prearthritic changes in his left ankle and had initially aimed to manage the injury through rehabilitation rather than surgery.

This diagnosis stems from a cumulative effect of an ankle fracture that Krug sustained earlier in his career. At 33 years old, he experienced a left ankle injury during a preseason game back in 2018 while he was a member of the Boston Bruins.

Krug was part of the Bruins team that faced off against the Blues in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, a series that extended to seven games. In 2020, he signed a seven-year contract valued at $45.5 million with the Blues. Since joining the team, Krug has contributed significantly, tallying 151 points across 262 regular-season and playoff games.

In a recent move to strengthen their roster, the Blues have signed Philip Broberg from the Edmonton Oilers to an offer sheet, which the Oilers chose not to match. The 23-year-old Broberg’s contract is worth just over $4.58 million annually for the next two years. This deal will also provide the Blues with salary cap relief on long-term injured reserve this season, offsetting Krug’s $6.5 million salary.

The decision to undergo surgery underscores the challenges Krug has faced with his ankle over the years and the impact it may have had on his performance. His absence will be felt as the team prepares for the upcoming season, with the Blues looking to fill the void left by his experience and skill on the ice.

As team management continues to adapt to these changes, there will be a focus on how the revamped roster can maintain competitive play in Krug’s absence. The acquisition of Broberg comes at a critical time as the team aims to bolster its defense and maintain depth in their lineup.

Overall, the Blues are navigating a pivotal moment in their season with the surgical intervention for Krug offering a long-term solution to his ongoing issues. While fans will miss seeing him play this season, the hope is that this step will pave the way for a full recovery and eventual return to the ice in the future.

The front office’s strategy in dealing with Krug’s injury and the recent signing of Broberg indicates a proactive approach in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.

With these developments, the St. Louis Blues must adjust their game plan to ensure they remain a strong contender in the NHL, while hoping for a successful rehabilitation and return for Krug in the seasons to follow.

Source: The Associated Press