St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug likely has to retire because of a serious ankle injury, general manager Doug Armstrong told reporters.
Torey Krug, a renowned quarterback power play and puck-moving specialist who helped the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup Final appearances (2013 to 2019), missed the entire 2024-25 season recovering from left ankle surgery.
Per NHL.com’s Lou Korac, Armstrong said he doesn’t think Krug will play in the NHL again, though he hopes to be wrong.
“I’m not expecting him to play again, Armstrong said. “Now, he’s hoping that I’m wrong, I’m hoping that I’m wrong and he’s pushing, but the surgery that he had, it was very, very invasive.”
Last summer, news emerged that Krug was diagnosed with pre-arthritic changes and would require surgery. The Blues knew there was a strong chance he’d miss the entire year, but Armstrong doesn’t see a path back for the 34-year-old.
As Korac noted, Torey Krug acknowledged on Sept. 4 that he knew there was a chance he wouldn’t play again. At the time, Krug said, “those are things you definitely think about.”
Torey Krug is not expected to return to the NHL following recurring ankle injuries. #STLBlues #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/QfCnCVyra4
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) May 6, 2025
Krug signed a seven-year pact with the Blues worth $45.5 million in 2020 free agency after a nine-year tenure with the Bruins. Though he has two years left on his deal, the Blues can place Krug on the long-term injured reserve and avoid the salary cap charge.
The Blues are coming off a heartbreaking Game 7 double overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the opening round of the postseason. They were 1:58 away from pulling off the upset, but the league’s top regular season team scored two quick goals (including a buzzer beater) to force the extra frame.
Jets captain Adam Lowry tipped home a point shot past Jordan Binnington to complete the remarkable comeback.
Torey Krug Carved Out A Superb Career As An Undrafted Player
Krug signed with the Boston Bruins as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and became a regular roster player during the 2013 postseason. Krug helped Boston to two Presidents’ Trophies (2013-14 and 2019-20) and two Eastern Conference titles, finishing his career with 89 goals and 374 points in 778 NHL games.