Blues 2021 Stanley Cup Odds Listed at +1800 After Signing Krug
- Torey Krug signed a 7-year, $45.5-million deal with the St. Louis Blues on the opening day of free agency
- Krug has recorded 5 straight seasons of at least 40 assists
- Here’s how the big signing moved the needle and shifted the 2021 Stanley Cup Odds
It didn’t take Torey Krug long to find a new home.
The 29-year old defenseman signed a 7-year, $45.5-million deal with the St. Louis Blues. He serves as a replacement to captain Alex Pietrangelo who will now be moving on. The Stanley Cup odds have the 2019 champions listed among the favorites to win next year’s title.
2021 Stanley Cup Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +750 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +750 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +950 |
| Boston Bruins | +1100 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +1400 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1600 |
| Washington Capitals | +1600 |
| St. Louis Blues | +1800 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1900 |
| Dallas Stars | +2000 |
Odds taken Oct. 9 from FanDuel
Krug was the second most sought after defenseman on the market and for good reason. Just how far does Krug move the needle? Quite a bit. Let’s deep dive into this game and see what the Blues are getting with their new free-agent signing.
Krug Known For Consistent Production
While some signings on the opening day of free agency come with an element of risk, Krug is about as safe as they come. He has recorded 40+ assists for five straight seasons and has 39 points or more in each of the last 7 years.
This season he tallied 9 goals and 40 assists in only 61 games. For context, 0.80 points per game gives him a higher mark than Pietrangelo. One of the big reasons Krug came with a lower price tag is the fact he is a left shot defenseman which are easier to find.
Torey Krug on his way to St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/TCcXGB8Z3H
— Jack Aylmer (@Jack_Aylmer) October 10, 2020
Another reason Krug was such a sought after player is his playoff production. While he never captured a Stanley Cup in his days with the Bruins, he did put up 52 points in 75 playoff games. That’s the kind of offensive production from the back end that can help push a team from a Stanley Cup contender to a Stanley Cup winner.
Gamble To Test Unrestricted Free Agency Paid Off
Rumors had the Boston Bruins extending a 6-year extension worth $6.5-million per season to Krug. He decided to test free agency and found himself a new home and an extra year on his deal.
The Blues made a big push to keep Pietrangelo with the team but must not have been confident they could bring him back. He had spoken to the Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs on the opening day of free agency, sending St. Louis looking for a replacement. Krug was the benefactor and earned himself a big payday.
The Blues agree to terms with defenseman Torey Krug on a 7-year contract worth $45.5 million dollars.
📄 : https://t.co/NhRcYLRvTH pic.twitter.com/k5bcbFGh5S
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 10, 2020
What does it mean for the Blues? It gives them another key piece to a defensive group that already had some talent. Yes, they will be moving on from Pietrangelo but they are still stocked on the back end. Krug will join Colton Parayko to make one of the best top pairings in the NHL, followed by Vince Dunn and Justin Faulk on the team’s second unit. While keeping Pietrangelo might have been the best-case scenario, this signing is a very close second and should be considered a win for general manager Doug Armstrong.
Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
