Krug sticks around, ready to go
With eight NHL defensemen on the Bruins roster for much of the summer, speculation ran pretty hot that Torey Krug could be on the move. But speculation doesn’t always turn into reality and there was Krug yesterday, talking to reporters on the first official day of Bruins training camp, the domestic edition.
Krug, still working his way back from the broken ankle he suffered in Game 4 of the playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, said he wasn’t overly concerned with being traded. But he understands the talk.
“I don’t really see anyone doing my job here,” said Krug, who racked up 59 points last season. “I just have to show up every day and do my job the best that I can. I can’t really worry about too many things that people are saying. I’ll go back to that famous line. It’s the nature of he business. But I’m still here and ready to do my job.”
As it turned out, general manager Don Sweeney finally decided that eight was more than enough and, on Tuesday, he traded the popular Adam McQuaid. But no one was thrilled about the McQuaid move, least of all Krug, who had played extensively with the veteran over the years.
“It’s sad,” said Krug. “I know we all use the simple line of ‘It’s the nature of the business.’ But when you see someone like that go, it’s a sad day. I learned to be a professional and play every night and play in different situations along with him. I probably played over 300 games with him as my partner. It’s tough, especially when you see a guy that is willing to do anything for this team and whatever team he’s on. It’s the type of teammate that he is, the type of friend that he is. It’s sad to see him go.”
But the fewer extra guys the better, said Krug.
“It is tough because whoever is coming in and out of the lineup, they can’t get into a rhythm. You’re always looking over your shoulder. You don’t feel comfortable playing, you’re always on edge,” said Krug. “There were times my first couple of years where you did feel like that, so it’s definitely not comfortable to play. You don’t feel like you can reach your full potential when you’re always looking behind you. We’re obviously going to miss (McQuaid) but now guys can slot into certain positions and just give it their all and those things will play out.”
While the right side seems settled with Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Kevan Miller, the left is still crowded with Krug, Zdeno Chara, the newly acquired John Moore and Matt Grzelcyk vying for playing time.
“It’s good competition; whatever you want to call it. But that stuff works its way out,” said Krug. “Whoever is playing well will probably play. (Coach Bruce Cassidy) has been pretty fair in that regard ever since I’ve known him from back in Providence. Whoever is playing well will do the job.”
Krug meanwhile will probably skate on his own to start camp but hopes to get in a couple of preseason games.
No Krejci chicanery
David Krejci assured reporters that he didn’t intentionally sabotage his passport so he didn’t have to go on the China trip — and he was pretty convincing.
“Believe it or not, I was actually looking forward to it,” said Krejci. “Being home for a long time with my kid — which was awesome — but I was looking forward to that 14-hour flight to get some sleep and watch some movies. You don’t get to do that too much when you have a kid running around the house. And we’re expecting a second kid, too in a few months.”
Acciari on mend
Assistant coach Joe Sacco, who is overseeing the stateside B’s, said Noel Acciari will not start camp with the group as he continues to recover from hernia surgery over the summer. …
The Bruins will hit the ice today at 10 a.m. for the first three sessions. And for you young folks coming in from the clubs, NHL Network will air the B’s exhibition season opener at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday from Shenzhen, China.
The Bruins and Flames each canceled their first practices yesterday in China after their equipment bags initially failed to clear customs, according to NHL.com.
The B’s were scheduled to practice at 12:30 p.m. China Standard Time (12:30 a.m. ET) yesterday, but were slated to take the ice at the same time earlier this morning.