Blues' Krug: Season-ending ankle injury stems from 2018 hit
St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug's season-ending ankle injury originated a long time ago, he explained Wednesday.
"I fractured my ankle, I think it was six years ago now in the playoffs when I was with Boston," Krug said. "Over the last few years, it's started to get worse and worse. I've been able to manage it for so long now. Last year was definitely tough, trying to manage the pain level. Then, this summer, (I) wasn't able to do any of the things I needed to do in order to prepare for the NHL season - in a lot of pain and stuff."
The initial ankle injury occurred during the second round of the 2018 postseason against the Tampa Bay Lightning on a hit by Alex Killorn.
Torey Krug ankle injury pic.twitter.com/gueEhJv8hD
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 5, 2018
The Blues announced Krug would miss the season Tuesday after he attempted to rehab pre-arthritic changes in his ankle nonsurgically during the summer. He will undergo subtalar fusion surgery, the same procedure that Tiger Woods underwent in 2023 to address post-traumatic arthritis in the wake of his 2021 car accident.
"Long process for sure ... very stressful summer," Krug said. "Definitely one of the hardest things I've been through."
An emotional Krug said he'll be around the Blues even though he's been ruled out for the season.
Torey Krug was moved to tears discussing what he’ll miss while he’s out this season. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/0XmL2VgpF2
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 4, 2024
The 33-year-old tallied 39 points in 77 contests last season. Since fracturing his ankle in 2018, Krug has played 380 games and averaged 20:54 of ice time.
"To be honest, I don't know what a healthy ankle feels like," Krug said. "So, as far as pain level goes, it's always there. Some days are better than other days."
His ankle issues have been impeding Krug away from hockey, and he hopes the surgery will help improve his daily life.
"I'm gonna be able to carry my kids up and down the stairs," Krug said. "I'm able to do it some days (currently), but waking up, it's tough."
An undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, Krug signed with the Boston Bruins in 2012. He's accumulated 483 points in 778 career games with the Bruins and Blues. Krug has three seasons left on a contract carrying a $6.5-million cap hit.