A recent announcement from the St. Louis Blues revealed that defenseman Torey Krug will undergo ankle surgery and miss the entire 2024-25 NHL season. Initially, the team had hoped that Krug could recover from his ankle injury without surgery, but unfortunately, the damage was too severe.
Krug’s ankle issues stem from a bone fracture he suffered earlier in his career, which has led to prearthritic changes in his left ankle. The 33-year-old defenseman initially hurt his ankle during a preseason game in 2018 while playing for the Boston Bruins.
Despite his injury, Krug has been a valuable player for the Blues since signing a seven-year contract worth $45.5 million in 2020. In 262 regular-season and playoff games, he has accumulated 151 points. However, his ankle problems have persisted, and surgery is now necessary to address the issue.
In light of Krug’s absence, the Blues have bolstered their defense by signing left-handed shooter Philip Broberg to a two-year deal worth $4.58 million annually. The 23-year-old Broberg joined the Blues after the Edmonton Oilers failed to match the offer sheet. As a result, the Blues will receive long-term injured reserve salary cap relief for Krug’s $6.5 million contract this season.
This development marks a significant change for the Blues, who will now rely on other players to fill the void left by Krug’s absence. While Krug’s injury is unfortunate, the team is taking steps to adapt and move forward. The signing of Broberg demonstrates the Blues’ commitment to strengthening their defense and preparing for the upcoming season.
In summary, Torey Krug’s ankle surgery will keep him out for the entire 2024-25 season, prompting the St. Louis Blues to make adjustments to their defense. The team has responded by signing Philip Broberg, securing long-term injured reserve salary cap relief for Krug’s contract. As the season approaches, the Blues will need to rely on their revamped defense to succeed.
