Frontrunner revealed in Torey Krug sweepstakes on free agent market!

Fans were thrilled to see the recent ratification of the NHL’s Return to Play protocol, along with an extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, however, the new deal is quite a tough blow on some teams as the salary cap will remain flat for at least the next two seasons. 

That means the Boston Bruins might not be able to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Torey Krug and it didn’t take long for rumours to surface and send him somewhere else. 

On Wednesday, it was hinted that Krug could choose to leave Boston and sign with the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings are believed to be the front runner in landing Krug, who grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan and played under-18 hockey with Compuware and college hockey at Michigan State University.

To help him get acquainted to a (possible) new team, it was been noted that he played in the USHL under the Red Wings’ current coach, Jeff Blashill. 

The Wings are focused on rebuilding a strong contender under general manager Steve Yzerman, who could find the right words to convince Krug to sign in Detroit. On top of that, the Red Wings have sufficient cap space to sign Krug, he who could become a great leader for the young defensive core. The Wings have over $35 million in projected cap space available for next season, that’s a lot more than Boston… 

The Bruins might work hard to make it work and keep Krug, but they currently have more than $63.5M committed to 18 roster players (and David Backes ’ retained $1.5M), but there are other contracts needing to be addressed. The 29-year-old has mentioned more than once he’d be willing to accept less money to stay in Boston.

Krug signed as a free agent and played first NHL game back in 2012. He’s racked up 337 points in 523 games, adding another 46 points in 62 career playoff contests.

After this postseason run, he might continue to rack up points somewhere other than Boston, and it could be in Hockey Town.