Torey Krug to undergo ankle surgery, sidelined for 2024-25 season

Torey Krug, a defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery, which will keep him out for the entire 2024-25 season. The decision follows a diagnosis of pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle, attributed to a previous bone fracture sustained during his career. Initially, the team hoped to manage the injury through rehabilitation, but after six to eight weeks of nonsurgical treatment proved ineffective, surgery became necessary. Krug, now 33 years old, first injured his ankle in 2018 while playing for the Boston Bruins. He signed a lucrative seven-year contract with the Blues in 2020, worth $45.5 million, and has since contributed significantly to the team with 151 points across 262 games, including both regular-season and playoff appearances. His absence will be felt as the Blues prepare for the upcoming season. In response to Krug's injury, the Blues have made strategic moves to bolster their defense. They recently signed Philip Broberg from Edmonton, adding another left-handed shooter to their blue line. Broberg's contract, valued at just over $4.58 million annually for two years, will provide the team with salary cap relief due to Krug's long-term injury status. The Blues' president and general manager, Doug Armstrong, announced the prognosis and is expected to provide further updates as training camp approaches. Krug is anticipated to address the media regarding his situation, highlighting the challenges faced by the team as they navigate the upcoming season without one of their key players.