Torey Krug to Miss Entire 2024-25 Season Following Surgery

In a devastating blow to the St. Louis Blues and their fanbase, veteran defenseman Torey Krug is set to miss the entire 2024-25 NHL season. Krug will undergo surgery to address pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle, a condition that has been affecting his performance and mobility in recent seasons. The loss of Krug, one of the Blues most dynamic blueliners, will undoubtedly leave a significant hole on the team’s defense, impacting both their short-term competitive prospects and long-term planning.

The Nature of Krug’s Injury

Krug’s left ankle issues have developed over time, culminating in a condition described as pre-arthritic, a precursor to arthritis that causes significant discomfort, pain, and limited mobility. In Krug’s case, surgery became the only viable option to address the situation and provide a path to recovery. The surgery, while necessary, will sideline the 33-year-old defenseman for the entire 2024-25 season, removing one of the team’s most reliable offensive contributors from the lineup.

Krug’s Impact on the Blues

Torey Krug signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract with the Blues in 2020, following an impressive tenure with the Boston Bruins. Known for his offensive instincts, Krug brought elite playmaking abilities to the Blues blue line, consistently contributing to the power play and generating offense from the point. His puck-moving skills, vision, and quarterbacking on special teams made him a key asset in the team’s transition game.

During his time in St. Louis, Krug’s presence helped maintain a potent offensive dynamic for the Blues, even as the team adjusted to a new identity following the departure of key players from their 2019 Stanley Cup-winning roster. His ability to distribute the puck effectively and his fearless, undersized style of play endeared him to fans and coaches alike. Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, Krug has remained an important figure in the locker room and a leader on the ice.

What This Means for the Blues

Losing Krug for the entire season is a significant setback for the Blues, who have been trying to re-establish themselves as playoff contenders after a challenging 2023-24 campaign. Krug’s absence not only impacts the Blues defensive depth but also weakens their special teams, particularly the power play, where Krug’s contributions were pivotal.

From a tactical perspective, Krug’s injury forces Blues head coach Drew Bannister to rethink the defensive structure of the team. The burden will fall on other defensemen, such as Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk, to elevate their roles in Krug’s absence. Young defensemen like Scott Perunovich, who has dealt with his own injury challenges, and newly acquired Philip Broberg will likely be called upon to fill the void.

Krug’s injury may also push Doug Armstrong, the Blues’ general manager, to reconsider the team’s overall direction for the season. With Krug’s salary occupying a significant portion of the cap, placing him on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) may give the Blues some temporary relief, but finding a player of Krug’s caliber on short notice will be difficult.

The Timing and Long-Term Implications

Krug’s surgery comes at a difficult time for both the player and the franchise. At 33, Krug is nearing the latter stages of his career, and missing an entire season raises questions about how he will perform upon his return. Ankle injuries, particularly those requiring surgery for pre-arthritic changes, can have long-lasting effects on a player’s mobility, agility, and overall performance. Krug’s game relies heavily on his speed and ability to maneuver the puck under pressure, and recovery from such a surgery is not guaranteed to return him to the same form.

Krug’s injury and subsequent surgery raise broader questions about his future with the Blues. While his contract runs through the 2026-27 season, his ability to return to form after missing an entire year remains uncertain. As the Blues navigate their roster construction and salary cap management, they will need to determine whether Krug’s long-term recovery aligns with their competitive window. The injury also emphasizes the need for the Blues to invest in the development of younger defensemen who can step up in the absence of veteran leadership.

Final Thoughts

While his time with the Blues has been marred by injury and inconsistency compared to his dominant years with the Bruins, Torey Krug has nonetheless left a lasting impact on the St. Louis roster. He’s been a dependable playmaker and a leader by example, and his passion for the game has been evident in every shift. Even though the 2024-25 season will be lost for Krug, the Blues and their fans will hope that he can return in the future and regain the form that made him one of the most coveted free-agent defensemen just a few years ago.

For now, the Blues must adjust to life without one of their key players, while Krug focuses on recovery and the long road back to the NHL.