Jump to content

Torey Krug

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Torey Krug
Krug with the Boston Bruins in 2016
Born (1991-04-12) April 12, 1991 (age 33)
Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S.[1]
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 St. Louis Blues
Boston Bruins
National team  United States
NHL draft Undrafted
Playing career 2012–present
Website toreykrug.com

Torey Krug (/kruːɡ/ KROOG;[2] born April 12, 1991) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). Krug previously played for the Boston Bruins from 2012 to 2020.

Being undrafted, he played NCAA hockey at Michigan State University,[3] also playing for the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL),[4] winning the Clark Cup with the latter, the team's first-ever title.

In 2012, Krug was named the CCHA Player of the Year,[5] and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.[6]

Playing career

[edit]

Amateur

[edit]

As a young child, Krug played in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Honeybaked minor ice hockey team.[7] He was hosted by the Avoine family in Québec City during the 10 days of the tournament.[8] He later played for the Belle Tire midget program in Michigan, and Krug skated in 59 regular season games for the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL), notching 47 points. Although he was undrafted into the USHL, Krug was extended an invitation by coach Jeff Blashill to try out for the Ice, eventually making the team.[9][10] Krug also skated in 13 Clark Cup playoff games with seven points before capturing the championship.[citation needed] He was a member of the USHL All-Rookie Team and set the Indiana Ice record for points in a season by a defenseman in 2008–09.[citation needed]

Krug arrived at Michigan State University in the fall of 2009, and was initially slotted as a fifth or sixth defenseman on the roster. During the 2009–10 season, Krug was voted to the CCHA's All-Rookie Team. After skating in all 38 games, he finished the season second on the team in rookie scoring and led all CCHA first-year defensemen in scoring. Krug quickly gained a reputation as one of the CCHA's most offensive performers,[11] and in advance of his sophomore season, was elected captain of the Spartans. As a sophomore, Krug was named to the First Team All-CCHA, and was voted the CCHA's Top Offensive Defenseman (he was the CCHA's top-scoring defenseman that year). In 2011–12, he was named to the All-CCHA Team for the second time, and was named a CCHA Player of the Year and Hobey Baker Award finalist. During the season, Krug was the top scoring defenseman in the CCHA, and shared the CCHA conference scoring title with Notre Dame's T. J. Tynan (29 points), becoming the first defenseman in the league to win a scoring title since Western Michigan's Wayne Gagner in 1986–87.[12]

As the result of his accomplishments with Michigan State, Krug was among collegiate hockey's most sought-after free agents when he signed with the Boston Bruins in 2012.[13]

Professional

[edit]

Boston Bruins

[edit]
Krug with the Boston Bruins during the 2013 Eastern Conference finals

On March 25, 2012, Krug was signed to an entry-level contract by the Boston Bruins,[14] making his NHL debut on April 3, 2012, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.[15] Appearing in two games with the Bruins, Krug finished with one assist and had an even plus-minus rating, averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game.[citation needed]

Krug spent the 2012–13 season with the Providence Bruins, where he was hampered by a sprained ankle until mid-January.[16] After being called up from Providence on an emergency basis, he scored his first NHL goal during his first Stanley Cup playoff game in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals against the New York Rangers,[17] becoming the first Bruins defenseman to score in his playoff debut since Glen Wesley in 1988. Krug followed this by scoring his second NHL goal during Game 2 of the same series,[18] becoming the fourth player in Bruins history to score goals in his first two playoff games.[19] At the conclusion of the series, he became the first rookie defenseman in League history to score four goals in his first five playoff games.[20] In the 2013 postseason, Krug impressed by scoring four goals and recording six assists.[citation needed]

Krug started the 2013–14 season on the Bruins' opening night roster, and scored his first regular season NHL goal on October 5, 2013, against Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings. On November 25, playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he became the first rookie defenseman in Bruins history to score an overtime goal, which also proved to be his first NHL game-winning goal.[citation needed] Krug was frequently mentioned during the 2013–14 season as a strong contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's rookie of the year.[21] He was named to the NHL's All Rookie Team and was the top scoring rookie defenseman in the league and was 4th in the league in the goals amongst rookies. His 14 goals and 26 assists helped the Bruins win the Presidents' Trophy, with the league's best record. Krug ended the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs with 10 points in 12 games.[22]

In the 2014–15 Boston Bruins season, Krug tallied 12 goals and 27 assists and recorded a +28 plus-minus, the best of his career. The following season, he produced 44 points on four goals and a career-high 40 assists.[22]

On June 30, 2016, he re-signed a four-year deal worth an AAV of $5.25M with the Bruins.[23] Krug ended the 2016–17 season ranking second among the team in assists and sixth in total points.[24] In late April, Krug underwent surgery to repair a right shoulder injury and was expected to need six months to recover.[24] Krug recovered enough to participate in the 2017 preseason but was injured in his second exhibition game, forcing him to miss the Bruins' season opener.[25]

While playing in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Krug injured his left ankle during Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and was later ruled out for the rest of the series.[26] By the time of the pre-season schedule, just before the 2018–19 started on October 3 with a road game against the 2018 Stanley Cup-winning Washington Capitals, Krug suffered a different injury to his left ankle in the last 2018–19 pre-season game against the Philadelphia Flyers, and was expected to be out for a three-week period for recovery and re-evaluation.[27] On March 27, 2019, in a game against the New York Rangers, Krug became the all-time points leader by an American-born player in Boston Bruins history.[citation needed] On June 1, 2019, during game 3 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals against the St. Louis Blues, Krug became the first player in Bruins history to record four points in a Stanley Cup Finals game.[citation needed]

St. Louis Blues

[edit]

On October 9, 2020, the opening day of free agency, Krug left the Bruins after nine seasons and signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract with the St. Louis Blues.[28]

On September 3, 2024, it was announced that Krug would miss the entire 2024–25 season due to left ankle surgery.[29]

Personal life

[edit]

Krug was born on April 12, 1991, in Livonia, Michigan, the son of Cheryl and Kyle Krug. Torey's brother, Adam, played college hockey at Adrian College[30] and brother Matt played at Robert Morris University and Wayne State University. Another brother, Zak, plays college volleyball at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.[31]

Krug is married to Melanie Krug. They have two daughters together.[32] Krug is a Christian.[33]

Torey admired the play of former Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk because "he's the most well-rounded player on the ice," and models his game after former teammate Zdeno Chára.[34] He calls his father his largest hockey influence.[35][36]

Krug graduated from Michigan State with a degree in Political Science in May 2017.[37] He originally enrolled within the school's Finance program, but switched majors to Pre-Law after claiming he didn't enjoy the content.[38] Krug was forced to switch programs again after signing with Boston due to the mandatory courses in Law not being available online, leading him towards Political Science.[39] He completed his remaining 38 credits online during the NHL off-season over the course of the next five years.[39][38]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]

Bold indicates led league

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2006–07 Belle Tire 16U T1EHL 31 2 15 17 40 — — — — —
2007–08 Compuware 18U T1EHL 25 0 5 5 30 — — — — —
2008–09 Indiana Ice USHL 59 10 37 47 50 13 1 6 7 13
2009–10 Michigan State University CCHA 38 3 18 21 67 — — — — —
2010–11 Michigan State University CCHA 38 11 17 28 59 — — — — —
2011–12 Michigan State University CCHA 38 12 22 34 51 — — — — —
2011–12 Boston Bruins NHL 2 0 1 1 0 — — — — —
2012–13 Providence Bruins AHL 63 13 32 45 37 7 0 3 3 2
2012–13 Boston Bruins NHL 1 0 1 1 0 15 4 2 6 0
2013–14 Boston Bruins NHL 79 14 26 40 28 12 2 8 10 6
2014–15 Boston Bruins NHL 78 12 27 39 20 — — — — —
2015–16 Boston Bruins NHL 81 4 40 44 33 — — — — —
2016–17 Boston Bruins NHL 81 8 43 51 37 — — — — —
2017–18 Boston Bruins NHL 76 14 45 59 36 11 3 9 12 8
2018–19 Boston Bruins NHL 64 6 47 53 33 24 2 16 18 10
2019–20 Boston Bruins NHL 61 9 40 49 33 13 0 6 6 22
2020–21 St. Louis Blues NHL 51 2 30 32 25 4 0 2 2 2
2021–22 St. Louis Blues NHL 64 9 34 43 48 3 0 3 3 0
2022–23 St. Louis Blues NHL 63 7 25 32 49 — — — — —
2023–24 St. Louis Blues NHL 77 4 35 39 32 — — — — —
NHL totals 778 89 394 483 374 82 11 46 57 48

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2015 United States WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 10 2 3 5 8
Senior totals 10 2 3 5 8

Awards, achievements and records

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2015 Czech Republic
Award Year
College
All-CCHA Rookie Team 2010
All-CCHA First Team 2011, 2012 [40][41][42][43]
All-CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman 2011, 2012 [44]
CCHA Player of the Year 2012 [5]
AHCA West First-Team All-American 2012
NHL
NHL All-Rookie Team 2014

Records

[edit]
  • First player in the Boston Bruins history to record four points in a Stanley Cup Finals game.[45]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Krug, Torey".
  2. ^ 2018–19 National Hockey League Pronunciation Guide. Retrieved August 13, 2020
  3. ^ "Torey Krug Bio". Michigan State Official Athletic Site. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  4. ^ Torey Krug | Indiana Ice Archived February 5, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ a b "KRUG EARNS CCHA TOP HONORS". Michigan State. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  6. ^ Hobey Baker Award Committee Announces the 2012 Top Ten Finalists | Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  8. ^ His 2003 host family
  9. ^ Fluto Shinzawa (November 15, 2015). "Torey Krug remembers new Wings coach giving him a break". Boston Globe. Retrieved February 16, 2019.
  10. ^ Dana Wakiji; Arthur J. Regner (November 21, 2018). "Notes: Blashill and Boston's Krug have strong connection". NHL.com. Retrieved February 16, 2019. he also didn't get drafted in the USHL, and I was able to luckily get him to come to our tryout camp
  11. ^ Neil's Notebook: Krug's Leadership, Play Impressive – Michigan State Official Athletic Site
  12. ^ MSU hockey Spartans top Notre Dame, earn a bye, NCAA D1, College Hockey (United States), College/University Hockey, Hockey Forum – The Hockey Network
  13. ^ Torey Krug continues to bring the magic to Bruins’ defense corps – Sports – The Boston Globe
  14. ^ Michigan State Spartans | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
  15. ^ Torey Krug to make NHL debut – bruins blog – Boston Globe hockey news
  16. ^ BRUINS NOTEBOOK: Rookie Torey Krug benefited from mid-season break – Fall River, MA – The Herald News
  17. ^ Skillful performance by Torey Krug, Bruins – Touching All the Bases – Boston.com
  18. ^ Bruins Blueliner Krug Comes Through in Stanley Cup Playoff Debut | Bleacher Report
  19. ^ Shinzawa, Fluto (May 21, 2013). "Game 3 preview: Bruins at Rangers". boston.com. New York. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  20. ^ 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs News And Notes | Sports Talk Florida
  21. ^ "Ranking the 10 greatest rookie seasons in Bruins history". bleacherreport.com. August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  22. ^ a b "Torey Krug Stats and News". NHL.com. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  23. ^ "Bruins Sign Defenseman Torey Krug To Four-Year Contract Worth $5.25 Million Annually". NHL.com. June 30, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  24. ^ a b "Beleskey, Krejci and Krug Undergo Successful Surgeries". NHL.com. May 3, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  25. ^ Russo, Eric (October 7, 2017). "Krug Returns to Practice as Full Participant". NHL.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  26. ^ Rosen, Dan (May 5, 2018). "Krug out rest of series for Bruins, starting with Game 5 vs. Lightning". NHL.com. Retrieved May 5, 2018. Torey Krug will not play for the Boston Bruins for the remainder of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, starting with Game 5 at Amalie Arena on Sunday because of a left-ankle injury.
  27. ^ Benjamin, Amalie (October 1, 2018). "Krug out three weeks for Bruins because of ankle injury". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved October 1, 2018. Torey Krug will be out at least three weeks because of a left-ankle injury the Boston Bruins defenseman sustained Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers...Krug will wear a protective boot and be re-evaluated in three weeks...General manager Don Sweeny said Monday that Krug's latest injury is unrelated to his broken left ankle from Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 4.
  28. ^ "Krug agrees to seven-year, $45.5 million contract with Blues". National Hockey League. October 9, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  29. ^ Pinkert, Chris (September 3, 2024). "Krug to undergo season-ending ankle surgery". St. Louis Blues.
  30. ^ Eliteprospects.com – Adam Krug
  31. ^ Krug content with role as Walleye enforcer – Toledo Blade
  32. ^ Loftus, Mike. "Bruins defenseman Torey Krug misses teammates, and certainty". Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  33. ^ Mercer, Kevin (October 21, 2020). "Defenseman Torey Krug grateful for Bruins teammates, fans as he joins St. Louis Blues". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  34. ^ Man of the Day 3/28: Torey Krug | Adventures in Pucking
  35. ^ Torey Krug Could Be a Perfect Fit for Bruins: Fan's Take – NHL – Yahoo! Sports
  36. ^ Fee, Gayle (July 8, 2013). "Krug picks up his ring". Boston Herald. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  37. ^ Dolloff, Matt (May 5, 2017). "Torey Krug Officially Completes College Degree From Michigan State". Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  38. ^ a b Krug, Torey (December 17, 2015). "Working Towards Graduation While Playing in the NHL". NHL.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2018. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
  39. ^ a b Russo, Eric (May 5, 2017). "Krug Graduates from Michigan State". NHL.com. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  40. ^ College notes: Ferris State hockey seniors enjoy All-CCHA honors after passing up NHL options – MLive.com
  41. ^ Hagelin, Merrill on All-CCHA Teams; Burlon Takes Honorable Mention – MGOBLUE.COM – University of Michigan Official Athletic Site
  42. ^ College Hockey News: Miami, Ferris State Lead CCHA Honors
  43. ^ NMU's Gron, Florek named All-CCHA : Sports : UpperMichigansSource.com Archived May 13, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ Krug, Nill Among Major Award Winners at CCHA Awards Show – Michigan State Official Athletic Site
  45. ^ Srinivasan, Arun (June 2, 2019). "Krug becomes first Bruins player with 4 points in Stanley Cup Final game". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman
2010–11
2011–12 		Succeeded by
Preceded by CCHA Player of the Year
2011–12 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Torey_Krug&oldid=1245935484"