NHL insider reveals major trouble for Blues defenseman Tory Krug

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Graham Montgomery
June 14, 2024 (6:34 PM)

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NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently published an article highlighting nine top buyout candidates this summer and St. Louis Blues defenseman Tory Krug made the cut.

Krug has seemingly been on the outs in St. Louis for some time now, especially as the team has already tried to trade him once. Krug remains a steady contributor of offense, but his defensive game is abysmal and he has certainly contributed to the team's lack of success in recent years. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2019, the Blues have won just a single playoff round, which came in their most recent playoffs appearance, 2021-22. The team has failed to make the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, and general manager Doug Armstrong is adamant about avoiding a full-on rebuild.

"Scoop: Never count out GM Doug Armstrong from something spicy, bordering on vindictive. Armstrong doesn't mess around, and Krug threw a huge wrench into last summer's plans when he (rightfully) blocked a trade to Philadelphia by virtue of his �no-trade' clause. You know what �no-trade' clauses don't protect against? Buyouts. Armstrong is managing a team that has missed the playoffs two years in a row. The Blues' owner has acknowledged a long-term rebuild doesn't work in that market. Armstrong is stuck with a top four defense that all has trade protection and makes north of $23 million. Something probably will change there, and exercising the buyout on Krug � not necessarily just for cap space reasons � would send a strong message. Krug's buyout over the next four seasons barely adds up to one more season at $6.5 million."

The Blues appear to be gearing up for a new era of franchise history as they continue to make moves that will impact the team for years to come. The team just announced an extension for Dou Armstrong that will see him transition from general manager to president of hockey operations as AGM and former Blues center Alex Steen is set to replace him.

#stlblues have outlined a succession plan for GM Doug Armstrong.

Armstrong has signed a three-year extension through 2028-29. After 2025-26, newly appointed assistant GM Alexander Steen will take over as GM.

Armstrong will remain as president of hockey operations through 2029.

With these changes in mind, it seems that the Blues could see a lot of changes to the on-ice product over the next few years. Those changes very well could start with the team buying out Krug, so be on the lookout for that as the NHL buyout window begins.

Source: HockeyFeed
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