“I’m Hoping I’m Wrong”: Doug Armstrong on Torey Krug’s Uncertain Future

The future of veteran defenseman Torey Krug in the NHL is uncertain after St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong revealed that Krug is unlikely to return to professional hockey. This announcement came during the team’s end-of-season press conference, where Armstrong discussed Krug’s ongoing recovery from a significant ankle surgery.

“I don’t really think there’s much uncertainty with Torey,” Armstrong stated. “I talked to him; he was at the rink the other day. He’s just getting almost normal to day-to-day living with his ankle. So I’m not expecting him to play again. He’s hoping I’m wrong, and I’m hoping I’m wrong, and he’s pushing. But the surgery he had, it was very, very invasive.”

Krug, 34, missed the entire 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery in September to address pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle. The condition was identified as a cumulative result of a bone fracture sustained earlier in his career with the Boston Bruins. Initially, the team hoped that non-surgical rehabilitation would suffice, but surgery became necessary after those efforts failed.  

Throughout his 13-season NHL career, Krug has been a dynamic presence on the ice, amassing 483 points (89 goals, 394 assists) over 778 games with the Bruins and Blues. He signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract with St. Louis in October 2020 and played 266 games for the team, contributing 175 points. 

The Blues will likely place Krug on long-term injured reserve for the remaining two years of his contract, providing some salary cap relief as they plan for the future . 

While both Krug and the organization hold out hope for a potential return, the invasive nature of the surgery and the challenges in his recovery suggest that his playing days may be behind him. Krug’s determination and contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact, and his presence will be missed on the ice.

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