It all depends on Torey Krug.
This week, multiple sources have conveyed to Boston Hockey Now Bruins GM Don Sweeney always wanted to keep Krug from reaching free agency on July 1, 2020. Krug’s performance and leadership this season and more specifically in the team’s run to Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, reinforced to the organization just how important the 28-year-old rearguard has become in recent seasons.
Boston Bruins star defenseman Charlie McAvoy is one of six restricted free agents who were qualified by the Bruins this week. However, based on the chatter around the Bruins and throughout the NHL, it appears that until July 1, what they do with McAvoy, their other key RFA’s Brandon Carlo and Danton Heinen, what they may do in the trade market, and how they approach unrestricted free agency on Monday begins with what happens with defenseman Torey Krug.
This week, multiple sources have conveyed to Boston Hockey Now Bruins GM Don Sweeney always wanted to keep Krug from reaching free agency on July 1, 2020. Krug’s performance and leadership this season and more specifically in the team’s run to Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, reinforced to the organization just how important the 28-year-old rearguard has become in recent seasons.
Krug is no longer simply viewed as an offensive defenseman and powerplay specialist. Sweeney and his staff now see him as a key component to their top four on the blue line. Efforts to extend him for the foreseeable future have intensified since the Bruins lost to the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 back on June 12.
The Bruins of course, still see McAvoy and Carlo as the backbones of their defense for years to come, but what they do with Krug and the temperature of the restricted free agent market as free agency opens on Monday could have a say in whether or not McAvoy and/or Carlo ink a long-term deal or bridge contract. If Krug and the Bruins either reach an agreement on a new deal or decide to let him enter his walk season without a contract, then McAvoy and Carlo are likely looking at much more lucrative and longer contracts, but if the Bruins extend Krug for more than one season, then due to the team’s cap situation, McAvoy and Carlo are either looking at less money but still more term or more money and a bridge deal.
One thing is clear, Sweeney – who spoke to the media Friday afternoon – is doing everything he can to keep the blue line band together.
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