When you think of Michigan State hockey, there are plenty of names that come to mind. The Miller family, Justin Abdelkader, but one that really stands out is Torey Krug.
The former two-time captain and All-American for Michigan State from 2009-2012 has had an outstanding 13-year NHL career to this point. But injuries appear to have caught up with the former Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Krug joined the Boston Bruins following his junior season at Michigan State and entered the NHL as an undrafted player. He quickly rose to become one of the best defense players in the league. During his rookie season in 2013-14, Krug helped the Bruins finish with the most points in the NHL, and the team won the President's Trophy.
Despite the regular season success that year, Boston lost in the second round. It was still a big year for Krug though as he finished as a first-team All-Rookie and finished the regular season with 14 goals, 26 assists totalling 40 points in 79 games played.
He was also the top standout during the Bruins 12 playoff games. Krug finished as the team's points leader with 10 points on two goals and eight assists.
From there, Krug only continued to get better and better. In his second season, the team didn't have as much success, but he was still able to finish with a 39-point season.
By the time the 2018-19 season came around, Krug was more than ready to take it to another level. Not only did he succeed his team did as well. Boston was ready to make a deep run in the playoffs that season, and they did.
They took down Toronto, Columbus, and Carolina en route to the Eastern Conference Finals, booking a spot in the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals. Krug was a part of it all playing his part both defensively and helping set up the Bruins elite goal scorers. He finished that season with 53 points. Plus his playoff performance will remain one of the best for a Boston Bruin defender for years to come.
Krug finished with 18 points in the playoffs, on two goals and 16 assists. It was during the Stanley Cup Finals, that Krug put up a performance that will be hard to match. He became the first Bruin to register four points in a single Stanley Cup game.
It was after that outstanding season that Torey decided it was time for a new team. So, where did he go? He went to the very team the Bruins lost to in the Finals, the St. Louis Blues.
Krug spent the last four seasons with the Blues, registering 25 or more points in each season. But a bad ankle injury before the start of the 2024-25 season has only made his future uncertain. He missed this whole season, and most within the Blues organization fear, he has played his last game in the NHL.
If Torey Krug has indeed played his last game in the NHL, then his 13 seasons were well worth it. He finishes with 778 games played, 89 goals, and 394 assists which was good for 483 points. He is also the Bruins' all-time leading scorer among American skaters.
Krug has left a great legacy so if it is indeed the end, thanks, Torey, for everything you gave both to Michigan State hockey and the NHL. It was a pleasure to watch you play.