Torey Krug Did Nothing Wrong By Reportedly Exercising No-Trade Clause

The Philadelphia Flyers’ Kevin Hayes to St. Louis trade hit a snag when Blues defenseman Torey Krug reportedly wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause.

The Flyers reportedly tried to bring another team or teams into the trade — a team where Krug would agree to go. As of Monday morning, there was no earth-shattering news on the Hayes trade. But the day is young.

Philly fans, based on social media and in communications with me, are unhappy with Krug. They are unhappy with no-trade clauses in general.

Right or wrong, fans believe Krug is the reason the Hayes trade hasn’t happened. Some Philadelphia Flyers fans are eager to move on from Hayes, especially when the reported return is one of the Blues’ first-round draft choices. Several reports had Hayes and Travis Sanheim going to St. Louis for Krug and a first-rounder. Without Krug’s consent, that trade will have to change, perhaps scaled down.

Torey Krug did nothing wrong. Torey Krug did exactly what his contract said he could do. He has a no-trade clause and he’s exercising it.

Krug’s Deal

Krug was a free agent in October 2020.

The Blues wanted to sign Krug, and he wanted to play in St. Louis. Krug and his agent negotiated a no-trade clause with the Blues. The Blues agreed to the no-trade clause, and here we are. A player has every right to negotiate what’s in his contract. A team has every right to negotiate, too.

Krug signed a 7-year, $45.5 million contract according to CapFriendly. Krug came to the Blues after spending nine years in Boston.

If the deal works for both parties, there is a deal. In Krug’s case, there was a deal. A win-win for both sides.

Krug is 32 years old. Does he want to be part of what could be a long rebuild in Philadelphia? Players want to make money and win. Krug has his money.

Players who are 27 or older, or have seven accrued seasons, are eligible for no-trade clauses or no-movement clauses, according to PuckPedia. Veteran players want protection and a say to where they might be traded.

According to CapFriendly, there are 217 NHL players with either a no-trade clause or a no-movement clause. Four Flyers have such a deal, according to CapFriendly:

• Cam Atkinson: 10-team no-trade list
• Kevin Hayes: 12-team no-trade list
• Nicolas Deslauries: 20-team no-trade list
• Sean Couturier: no-movement clause

Perhaps Krug will change his mind about coming to Philadelphia. Or not. It’s his right and it’s a right he has earned.

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Flyers, In Case You Missed It:

Flyers well positioned in draft full of talent.

Check out the Flyers’ picks — and all 32 picks — in National Hockey Now’s mock draft.

Flyers working to trade Kevin Hayes to Blues. And, an update after the trade hits a snag.

Around The National Hockey Network:

Boston Hockey Now: In light of the Flyers-Blues trade talks, was David Pastrnak trying to bring Torey Krug back to Boston?

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