Who Will Step up To Torey Krug's Absence on Blues Defense?

However, that has changed due to technology enabling more and more of us to own mobile phones than ever. So today was just another regular day at school… but also just another opportunity for some much needed’me time’…! St. Louis Blues were dealt a serious setback with Torey Krug’s ankle surgery announcement and subsequent absence during 2024-25 season. Krug hasn’t performed to expectations over recent seasons due to an ankle injury he’s been struggling to heal for six years; which contributed significantly. On Wednesday, he informed media members about how difficult it had been to manage his ankle’s pain level last season. Hockey stands apart due to its skating element. Imagine competing at an elite level against some of the finest players worldwide while suffering with an ankle that constantly causes you discomfort and hampers performance? For six years this was my reality! We wish Torey Krug a speedy recovery and wish him well on his Blues team-related travels. Krug was one of their key puck-moving and offensive defensemen and his absence has created a large hole. Because Torey Krug was never one to shy away from physical battles despite his small stature, the organization needs someone else to step in and fill Krug’s spot as one of its four D-corp players – several players could fit this bill: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY SportsThe Blues have several options when looking for someone to fill Krug’s spot: Scott Perunovich is likely among them and could fill that role; last season Perunovich proved himself reliable on third pair and powerplay situations while contributing on third pair and powerplay units alike for them last season. As the season went along, Torey Krug earned himself a place among the team’s top four for six final games before his injury, and may continue in that vein this upcoming year. Relating to St Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug knowing road to recovery will be difficult: He may resume where left off.The Blues will miss Krug’s fast breakout speed as well as his skill of moving along blueline quickly while creating offense from point play. Perunovich exhibits these qualities in his playstyle; but, will he live up to expectations from winning the Hobey Baker Award with UMD? Can Phillip Broberg play an effective two-way game and defend at an elite level, earning the trust of his coaches? Philip Broberg St. Cloud Stingers Saint Louis management must have had some inkling that Krug could miss all or part of this season when they sent an offer sheet out to Philip Broberg in hopes that he might fill Krug’s place among their top four D-corps players. Broberg appears to be receiving his pay as though they should. He reads the play well offensively and knows when and where he needs to leap up for an attack. Defense and decision-making with the puck have long been his Achilles heels, hindering his performance for St Louis Blues in previous seasons. Pierre Olivier Joseph of Pittsburgh Penguins could provide another interesting case study here given he boasts the highest NHL experience among Perunovich, Broberg, and Joseph; yet probably is seen as an outside option to replace Krug as their number 3 option for Krug’s spot in their line-up. For two seasons now Joseph has served as an established third pairing blueliner at Pittsburgh Penguins despite competing with more established options from other teams such as Ottawa Senators or Vancouver Canucks for third pairing positions on these rosters. He recorded 32 points and five plus-minus ratings over 127 games as a left-shot rearguard but failed to ascend through the lineup.The 6-foot-2 lefty rearguard wasn’t known for flashiness on defense; which could both benefit him and hinder him. Joseph doesn’t stand out as being particularly weak in any one area (maybe his offensive skill level), while also lacking qualities that separate him as being above average compared to his competitors. That begs the question ‘Who exactly is Joseph as an NHL player’? Are they defensive specialists that can step into marquee defensive matchups and contribute to penalty kill success, or can they excel at 5-on-5 to drive possession for their team? Training camp begins soon in St Louis and some players have arrived early. If we had to rank these three players by likelihood for replacing Krug’s spot in 2024-25 season, here would be our ranking: Scott PerunovichPhilip BrobergPierre-Olivier JosephBookmark the Hockey News St. Louis Blues site to stay informed with any news, interviews or updates surrounding your favorite hockey league team – like Torey Krug has experienced first hand during training camp for 2024-25. training camp begins September 19, and that once-upon-a-time first rounder could have his breakout year during his contract year contract year!Related: St. Louis Blues Will Open 2024-25 Training CampOn September 19, Torey Krug Has Experienced What He Calls “One Of The Hardest Thing I Ever Experienced In My Career