It’s hard to believe Krug's still on this list, but he won't turn 25 until April 12. He's a huge triumph for the Bruins' scouting staff, which looked at the undrafted, undersized Michigan State product and projected him to be the kind of puck-moving, power play-producing, dynamic defenseman he’s turned into at the NHL level.
Krug has averaged 13 goals and 39 points in each of his first two full pro seasons, and has seen his ice time jump to more than 21 minutes a game as a top-4 guy on most nights. Krug is on pace for 10 goals and 49 points, and has been a huge part of the NHL’s best power-play unit. He’s the B's best puck-moving defenseman, now that Dougie Hamilton's in Calgary. And he’s also one of the young leaders on the team, someone who does things the right way on and off the ice while providing some of the feisty personality that every hockey club is looking for. With the Bruins putting much more emphasis on skill, speed and dynamic offensive ability than they have in the past, Krug is an interesting case.
He's just now approaching his ceiling as an NHL player as he enters his prime years and after this season he's up for a contract extension, which could be a long-term, big-money deal. Put it all together and Torey Krug should be a Boston Bruin for a good, long time.
FINAL RATING: All-Star | Vote here