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Boston Bruins Top Five Defensemen Midpoint 2016-17

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Dec 31, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) talks to defenseman Torey Krug (47) during practice the day prior to the Winter Classic hockey game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) talks to defenseman Torey Krug (47) during practice the day prior to the Winter Classic hockey game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Torey Krug – 52 Games – Four Goals, 27 Assists, 31 Points – ATOI: 22:03

Nov 17, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) shoots in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild beat the Boston Bruins 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) shoots in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild beat the Boston Bruins 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Torey Krug has become a legitimate top-four defenseman. Once thought of as a purely offensive player, the 25-year-old is finally starting to show that he can play a decent defensive game. This isn’t to say that Krug will ever be a shutdown defenseman, but he doesn’t have to be. A decent defensive game is all that’s needed with the offensive ability he provides to the Bruins.

Related Story: Torey Krug Heating Up

His development over the last few seasons has been evident. When looking at the Bruins roster, there is simply no comparable player. No other defender on the team can jump up on a rush as effectively as the Michigan-native, and no Bruins defenseman looks as comfortable with the puck on his stick. That’s not to say that there aren’t other Bruins with the potential to do so – Colin Miller stands out immediately in that regard, it’s simply the proven track record of Krug who seems to be finding his scoring touch again as of late.

Averaging 22:03 minutes of ice time per game, it looks like Krug is earning the trust of Julien. In a system that’s always boasted accountability as a priority, Krug is looking more and more like a perfect fit for the system.

Close Comparables

When looking at Krug’s contract, many critics have made their opinions known. Krug’s cap hit comes in at $5.25 million over the next four years. When looking at comparables, who make between $4.5 million and $5.5 million who are roughly the same age as Krug (between 22 and 27 years old), it’s clear that Krug is paid exactly what he should be.

  • Torey Krug – $5.25 million – Four Years – 52 Games – Four Goals, 27 Assists, 31 Points
  • Jared Spurgeon – $5.187 million – Four Years- 44 Games – Six Goals, 16 Assists, 22 Points
  • Tyson Barrie – $5.5 Million – Six Years – 42 Games – Three Goals, 20 Assists, 23 Points
  • Hampus Lindholm – $5.25 million – Six Years – 38 Games – Three Goals, Five Assists, Eight Points
  • Sami Vatanen – $4.875 Million – Four Years – 47 Games – Two Goals, 15 Assists, 17 Points
  • Seth Jones – $5.4 million – Six Years – 42 Games – Seven Goals, 17 Assists, 24 Points

When looking at the comparables, Krug is clearly playing right within his pay scale. Defensively, he may not be as good as some of the players on the list – but in that respect, he’s also very noticeable better offensively.

In all, Krug has been one of the Bruins best players this season. In a time of transition for the Bruins, Krug has established himself as one of the most valuable players on the team.

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