St. Louis Blues Sign Torey Krug

 

The St. Louis Blues went into free agency knowing they could lose their captain and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, It sounds like that will happen, a lot because he's wanting too much. To replace Pietrangelo, the Blues went and signed another top defenseman on the free agent market Torey Krug. Krug, 29, signed a seven-year contract worth $45.5 million. Krug signed as an undrafted free agent on March 12, 2012 with the Boston Bruins. Krug made his NHL debut on April 3, 2012 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

In 2013-2014, Krug finally got a full chance to play in the NHL. That was after sending 2012-2013 in the minors to develop his game and then impressing the Bruins in 15 playoff games in the NHL. During the playoffs, Krug became the first Bruins defenseman to score in his playoff debut since Glen Wesley in 1988. Krug became to fourth Bruins player in franchise history to score goals in this first two playoff games. He became the first rookie defenseman in NHL history to score 4 goals in his first five playoff games. 

In his first full-season, Krug played 79 games with 14 goals, 26 assists, 40 points, and a plus 18. Krug was named to the NHL's All Rookie Team. Krug was the top scoring defenseman in the league. For rookies, Krug was 4th in goals. 

Krug's best season came in 2017-2018. That season Krug played 76 games with 14 goals, 45 assists, and 59 points. The goals, and points are career highs for Krug. The next season Krug had 47 assists. 

Last season, Krug played 61 games with 9 goals, 40 assists, 49 points, and a -4. If Covid-19 didn't shut everything down, Krug would have had his 4th straight season with 50 points. 

Overall, Krug has played 9 seasons in the NHL. Krug has played 523 games with 67 goals, 270 assists, 337 points, and a plus 23. In the playoffs, Krug has played 75 games with 11 goals, 41 assists, 52 points, and a -4.

Krug is a great pickup for the Blues. He can help quaterback a powerplay. Yes, it can hurt losing Alex Pietrangelo but Krug is good too. Some people even say Krug is better. Who will the Blues next captain be? I can see Ryan O'Reilly or Colton Parayko being the next captain for the Blues.