Torey Krug “very opposed” to Bruins’ contract offer

While the Boston Bruins might be trying to do everything they can to keep pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Torey Krug on their roster, it sounds like one approach will be totally refused by the blue liner. The man himself has admitted that he is after long-term security this offseason, saying Thursday that he’s against the idea of signing a one-year contract as he enters unrestricted free agency.

“I’m very opposed to that,” Krug said, according to Matt Porter of the Boston Globe . “I’ve bet on myself and I’ve taken shorter-term deals and less amount of money my whole career now, so this is my time in terms of my value at its peak.”

The 29-year-old’s latest contract just came to an end, he who had signed a four-year, $21-million contract with the Bruins in 2016. We all know he deserves a pay raise : his  $5.25-million cap hit was well under market value considering his offensive abilities from the back end. He is expected to be a one of the most coveted defensemen on the free agency market this off season. 

And so a one-year deal from his beloved Bruins won’t do it… Boston has over $15 million in projected cap space next season, according to Cap Friendly . Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk are in need of new contracts as restricted free agents, while captain and UFA Zdeno Chara has recently confirmed that he wants to return for another year with his Bruins. 

This will be quite the puzzle for general manager Don Sweeney. Krug mentioned in the past his desire to stay with the Bruins though he was quite aware this could be his last chance at a championship with his group. Now that the chance is up in flames, maybe a return with the team is as well. He has been a member of the Bruins' crew since 2013-14 and since then, he ranks seventh among all defensemen with 335 points in 520 contests while averaging over 20 minutes per night.

He was once open to a hometown discount to stick in Boston, however, it sounds a shorter deal won’t cut it. He will be missed...