Spartans' captain Krug leaves school for Bruins' deal

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug announced today that he has signed a professional contract with the National Hockey League's defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

Krug, a 20-year-old Livonia native, will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"I couldn't be happier for Torey," said MSU coach Tom Anastos. "He's had an incredible season, an outstanding career at Michigan State and is ready to take the next step in his hockey career. While I know that we will certainly miss his talent and leadership next season, he will be back to complete his degree, and has left a lasting impression on his teammates that will most certainly continue to have a long term impact on our program."

"Torey has had an outstanding collegiate career at Michigan State," said Boston GM Peter Chiarelli. "He is a very intelligent player who is a terrific skater and shooter, but what stands out the most with Torey is his character. He is a two-time captain and a tremendous competitor. We are thrilled to have signed him and look forward to a seeing him contribute to the Bruins."

"This obviously came quickly after our season ended, but it was a really difficult decision to make," said Krug. "I love everything about Michigan State, my teammates, and our hockey program, and it was an outstanding place for me to grow and develop both as a hockey player and a person. It is very hard for me to leave, but I am incredibly thankful for the support shown to me by coach Anastos as I went through this process. I'm very proud to have worn a Michigan State jersey and serve as a captain. It's bittersweet, because we have worked hard to get MSU hockey back where we want it to be, challenging for conference and national championships.

"There are so many people to thank. To all of my teammates, our coaches and staff, the athletic department, and the university - thank you for making my three years as a part of this program such a special time in my life. I will always be a proud Spartan, and will do my best to represent Michigan State University in a way that you will all be proud.

"I would also like to thank the Boston Bruins organization for this tremendous opportunity. Every hockey player has the dream to play in the National Hockey League, and I am excited about my chance to prove myself at the next level."

Krug recently completed a standout season in which he distinguished himself among the top players in college hockey. He is one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to honor the top men's collegiate hockey player in the country.

At the recent CCHA awards show, Krug took home five awards - tying fellow Spartan (and current Edmonton Oiler) Shawn Horcoff for the most all-time in a single season. Krug was voted the league's Player of the Year, and for the second season in a row took home Best Offensive Defenseman honors. He was a unanimous selection to the All-CCHA First Team, and was MSU's Perani Cup winner (most "Three Stars of the Game" distinctions throughout the CCHA season).

In addition, with his game-winning goal in the final game of the regular season at Notre Dame, Krug shared the CCHA scoring title with Irish forward TJ Tynan. Krug became just the second defenseman in CCHA history - and the fifth overall in the college game - to win his league's scoring title.

Krug finished his junior season with a 12-22-34 scoring line, his best offensive season at MSU and his second consecutive season as the top goal-scoring defenseman in the conference. He ranks seventh overall in the conference in scoring, is eighth in assists, and 19th overall in goals. He tied for third in power-play goals (7) and owns the fourth-most game-winning tallies (3) in the CCHA as well. Krug plays in excess of 29 minutes per game, and plays in all situations.

In the last two seasons, Krug compiled 23 goals, (second-most among collegiate defensemen), and 62 points (third-best among Division I blueliners).

In his three-year career, Krug appeared in 114 career games, scoring 26 goals and adding 57 assists for 83 points, the most of any player in his three seasons on the roster. He is a career +7 and had 175 PIMs.

Photo (2011 GLI) by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO