Blues Torey Krug Opens Up About Denying Summer Trade to Flyers

The St Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers pulled off a Kevin Hayes for a draft pick trade this summer, however, the initial trade talks involved a much bigger package. Thanks to Blues defenseman Torey Krug, the blockbuster didn't get approved as Krug decided he wanted no part of leaving St Louis and wanted no part about joining the rebuilding Flyers.

The 32-year-old Krug signed a 7-year $45.5 million contract with the Blues back in 2020 and admitted he has no desire to ever leave. He still has two seasons left with a full no-trade clause and in the final two seasons of his contract, the trade protection does change to just a list of 15 teams he'd like to avoid.

Krug was asked about the trade during training camp this week and had this to say:

Krug: “Obviously I chose to stay here. I want to be part of this room and love playing in this city and wearing the Blue Note so it’s something I’m very excited about. You don’t like hearing things like that. I have kids, I have a family. But I want to be here and wear the Note.”
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) September 26, 2023

Krug on commitment to team that tried to trade him: “I’ve seen everything in hockey, just about everything you can think of. If you know anything about me, or my history, you know I’m going to show up and go to work everyday. I think my teammates understand that and expect that.”
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) September 26, 2023

Krug recorded 32 points in 63 games last season with the Blues and hasn't quite hit the type of production he was putting up with the Boston Bruins. There's also the lack of postseason success to ponder as Krug has appeared in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Blues and has recorded five points, but the team continues to struggle as a whole.

The Blues have a 'no-trade' problem as the majority of their overpriced d-men have protection. We'll have to wait and see what type of start the team gets off to. If things go south early on in St Louis, look for the trade chatter to once again pick up in a major way.

Photo credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports