Are The “Torey Krug To Islanders” Rumors Legitimate

Torey Krug is one of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League and he will be an unrestricted free agent this Friday. Could Torey Krug and the Islanders be a fit? Hockey writer Scott Burnside thinks so.

“No team benefitted more from the pause than the Islanders who went from a meandering one-trick team that looked like they would slide out of the playoff picture altogether to a formidable multi-dimensional team under super-coach Barry Trotz that dominated Florida, Washington and Philadelphia,” Burnside said. “The Islanders put us in mind of the 2006 Hurricanes, who won a Cup with a defense by committee. Competent and hard-working, the group lacks a bona fide power-play quarterback and puck-mover. The group had contributed five goals through the team’s first 13 postseason games. What would a slick puck-mover like Krug do on an Islander team that now seems just this close to being a Stanley Cup contender?”

The Islanders should always be looking to improve, especially on a struggling power-play, but Krug does not fit in with the organization’s long-term vision.

While the Islanders did not have a success on the man-advantage last season, the group has immense potential. Ryan Pulock, Devon Toews and Nick Leddy are more-than-capable point-men, while Noah Dobson has a bright future leading the power-play as well.

Krug would be a nice addition to the blue line in a perfect world on a team-friendly contract, but the Islanders already have Leddy, Johnny Boychuk and Thomas Hickey making a combined $26 million through the next two years. Unless one, two or even all three skaters are traded, Krug would not in the budget for Lou Lamoriello in a flat cap world.

So, while Torey Krug would certainly make the Islanders a better team, it is unlikely he will be wearing a blue and orange sweater next season.