St. Louis Blues Cut Ties with two Veterans after an injury-plagued and disappointing season
The St. Louis Blues are reportedly considering cutting ties with two veteran defensemen, Torey Krug and Nick Leddy, after an injury-plagued and disappointing season. While there’s no official confirmation on both players, let’s dive into the current situation.
Torey Krug’s Injury Woes
Torey Krug, a key defenseman for the Blues, will miss the entire 2024-25 season due to pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle. This condition is a cumulative result of a bone fracture suffered earlier in his career. Despite attempts to rehabilitate the injury through non-surgical interventions, Krug will undergo surgery, rendering him unavailable for the season.
Krug’s absence will undoubtedly impact the Blues’ defense, particularly on the left side. The team has been busy adding players to address his absence, including longtime NHL defenseman Ryan Suter, who joined the Blues on a one-year deal, and Philip Broberg, acquired from the Edmonton Oilers.
Nick Leddy’s Disappointing Season
Nick Leddy’s return from injury didn’t quite live up to expectations. After missing 49 games with a lower-body injury, Leddy returned to action on February 4 and played out the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. However, his impact was not as significant as hoped, particularly when paired with new teammate Cam Fowler. Despite playing the most time with him, the results weren’t as fruitful as anticipated.
Potential Departure and Roster Moves
Given Krug’s injury and Leddy’s underwhelming performance, the Blues might consider cutting ties with both veterans. Placing Krug on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) would free up $6.5 million in salary cap space, giving the Blues over $13 million to bolster their roster. This move could allow the team to acquire new talent and build a more robust lineup for the future ⁵.
The Blues have already made some roster moves, signing Ryan Suter and acquiring Philip Broberg to strengthen their defense. With Krug’s injury and potential departure, the team might look to rework their defensive lineup and make strategic acquisitions to improve their chances of success ³.
Conclusion
While there’s no official word on releasing both Krug and Leddy, the St. Louis Blues seem to be evaluating their roster and making moves to build a more competitive team. The departures of these veterans could pave the way for younger, more agile players to step up and contribute to the team’s success. As the offseason unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Blues shape their roster and approach the next season.
