Bruins GM: Trading Krug would require a 'unique opportunity'

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is not eager to trade defenseman Torey Krug, but didn't rule out the possibility of it happening.

"We have an opportunity on July 1 to open up talks (with Krug), and some of it will be dictated by the RFA market and some internal things will dictate the timing of those conversations," Sweeney told NBC Sports' Joe Haggerty. "If somebody blew us away (with a trade offer) then every player has to be looked at in that way. From an organizational standpoint, it would be a disservice if you don’t.

"It would take a pretty unique opportunity for us to part with Torey. We believe that he’s in the fabric of our group and he’s kind of that next wave of leadership behind the guys that have carried the mantle for a long time. He’s an important part of our club."

Krug will be an unrestricted free agent after next season and could sign an extension as early as July 1. He's in line for a sizable pay raise from his current $5.25-million cap hit. The 28-year-old blue-liner had 53 points in 64 games during the regular season and added 18 more points in 24 postseason contests.

The Bruins have $14.3 million in projected cap space this summer, per CapFriendly. However, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Danton Heinen are now RFAs after the expiration of their entry-level contracts. Marcus Johansson, Noel Acciari, and Steven Kampfer are UFAs.