Torey Krug’s Career Likely Over After Ankle Surgery

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug is not expected to resume his playing career after undergoing ankle surgery last summer. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong made the announcement while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

At 34 years old, Krug has been sidelined for the entire 2024-25 season due to complications from his surgery. He last played on April 10, 2024, scoring a game-winning goal in a victory over the Colorado Avalanche. The decision to end his season was made after a lengthy evaluation of his condition, including a diagnosis of pre-arthritis in the left ankle.

Krug’s problems date back to a fractured ankle he suffered in the 2018 playoffs while with the Boston Bruins. That injury not only ended his season at the time but also delayed the start of the following campaign. Without surgical correction, the deterioration of his ankle condition could have escalated, ultimately leading to this situation.

Since joining the Blues in 2020 on a seven-year, $45.5 million contract, Krug recorded 22 goals and 124 assists across 255 games. Despite consistent offensive contributions, Krug’s defensive stats worsened in recent years, resulting in a combined -57 rating for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

Originally undrafted, Krug broke into the NHL with the Bruins, where he became a prominent player, notably recording 337 points in 523 regular-season games. His playoff performances included strong showings during Boston’s runs to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013 and 2019.

As of now, Krug is expected to remain on long-term injured reserve for the next two years of his contract. There is speculation that he may retire once his contract expires in 2027. In terms of his future, Armstrong hinted that while a return is not anticipated, they have not completely ruled it out.

“We wish him all the best in his recovery and future endeavors,” said Armstrong, reflecting on Krug’s contributions to the team and the league. It has been a commendable career for Krug, who finishes with a scoring line of 89 goals and 394 assists over 778 games.