St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said Tuesday defenseman Torey Krug is not expected to play in the NHL again. The 34-year-old missed the entire 2024-25 season after undergoing left ankle surgery in September.
"I'm not expecting him to play again," Armstrong said. "Now, he's hoping that I'm wrong, I'm hoping that I'm wrong and he's pushing, but the surgery that he had, it was very, very invasive."
Krug was diagnosed with pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle. The injury stems from a bone fracture sustained six years ago during the 2018 playoffs while he played for the Boston Bruins. Despite rehabilitation efforts, surgery became necessary.
Krug signed a seven-year, $45.5 million contract with the Blues on Oct. 9, 2020, carrying a $6.5 million average annual value. With two years remaining on that deal, he will likely be placed on long-term injured reserve.
Over his 13 seasons, Krug accumulated 483 points from 89 goals and 394 assists in 778 games with the Bruins and Blues. He played for Boston during their run to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final against St. Louis.
Armstrong's comments came during the team's end-of-season news conference Tuesday. The Blues recently lost in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs to the Winnipeg Jets in seven games. Armstrong also addressed forward Dylan Holloway's surgery for an undisclosed injury, stating Holloway is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Krug spoke about the possibility of his career ending prior to training camp last September.
"Thirty-three years old and when you miss a whole year of hockey, obviously those things cross your mind," Krug said at the time in team-provided video. "I don't want to look too far ahead, but those are things you definitely think about."
He added, "I just think it's in your DNA. It's tough, but the mental side of it's just going to be just as tough as the physical side."
