Boston Bruins Torey Krug’s Value Grows
By Jay Peterson
It might seem more obvious now than back when the Boston Bruins still had defensive prospect Dougie Hamilton, but Torey Krug is one of the most valuable players on this Bruins team. Heading in to yet another contract year, Boston needs to be extremely careful with how they deal with this young, sneaky talented, defenseman.
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Hearing Krug speak to the media again, this week, reminded me of just how professional and well spoken he is, and always has been. He looks like a true leader and is still only three years removed from being captain of the Michigan State University Spartans. With the ages of current defensive leaders Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg quickly catching up with them, the Boston Bruins will need Krug to emerge as the new blue line leader for many years to come.
“Every year that I’ve been here there’s been some sort of pressure.” said Krug when asked about the expectations he has of himself this upcoming season. “I think pressure is what you put on yourself.” Krug has been known to always bet on himself and is under the belief that the money he makes in the future will be a reflection of how he plays now.
“I think the mental focus it takes and to make sure that you’re doing something each game to stand out and make a difference is what makes you special.” – Torey Krug
While it is no secret that Torey Krug’s defensive game will always need work, there is no denying that, when has the puck, his explosive skating and hungry hockey sense can make him the most dangerous player on the ice. “I think the mental focus it takes and to make sure that you’re doing something each game to stand out and make a difference is what makes you special.” When Krug has control of the play, it is plain to see that he is looking to make the right move, but is also looking for something special that others wouldn’t think of, or expect. It is that killer instinct that truly makes a great offensive defenseman so impactful.
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So, how will Torey Krug fit with this season’s defensive roster, and how will he fit with the Bruins long term? When asked about the potential of adding Cody Franson to the club (click here to watch the full interview) Krug simply stated, “I prepare for the season the same way I would whether they bring in five other guys or they don’t bring in anyone.” As a left handed, offensive defenseman, it is probably best that Krug doesn’t overthink any potential pairing possibilities. With Adam McQuaid, Kevan Miller and Zach Trotman all being right handed and defensively sound, the options for who will play with Krug are many.
Torey Krug is a unique player that the Bruins should handle with care. He has already taken generous pay cuts in his last two contract deals believing that he can earn more. According to Krug, “This year, it’s just the same situation. So, for me, it’s just about going out there and taking care of business and what I normally do.” However, for the Bruins management, it is not the same situation. No matter how Krug performs this season, the Boston Bruins will need to offer him a long term contract and, based on what we have seen from Torey Krug in the past, it will need to be a lot of money.
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