With the recent news that Torey Krug may miss the 2024-25 NHL season, the St. Louis Blues could potentially find themselves without their 2023-24 leader in points among defensemen. Krug, 33, played 77 games last season and racked up 39 points (four goals, 35 assists).
The fact that 39 points was enough to lead Blues defensemen speaks to the state of the offense from the blue line in St. Louis, but the argument stands - Krug was a significant contributor last season and his production will need to be replaced if the Blues wish to compete for a playoff spot next season. Which defensemen could step up to provide the offense that the Blues so desperately need?
Justin Faulk
Justin Faulk, 32, may be the biggest X-Factor for St. Louis next season, and his performance could make or break the Blues' hopes to compete for the playoffs. Faulk's 30 points (two goals, 28 assists) in 60 games last season was good enough for second among defensemen, but this performance seemed like a down year for Faulk, who turned in 47 points and 50 points in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.
Faulk seems like a good candidate for a bounce-back season. If he can return to form offensively and score more goals, the Blues may be in good shape. However, if he continues to regress, they could be in trouble.
Colton Parayko
Colton Parayko, 31, provided solid offensive production in 2023-24, leading defensemen in goals scored with 10. However, his 16 assists resulted in a 26 point season that ranked fourth from the blue line. If Parayko, who is one of the best all-around players in St. Louis, can create more plays and collect more assists, he could be an offensive leader among defensemen on a solid Blues team.
Scott Perunovich
Scott Perunovich, a left-shot defensemen, appears to be a candidate to replace Krug on the second defensive pairing in St. Louis. Perunovich, 25, had an underwhelming season in 2023-24, with only 17 points (0 goals, 17 assists). Replacing Krug's offensive production would require a significant improvement from Perunovich. However, as a young player who hasn't seemed to reach his full potential, Perunovich has a chance to break through and become a legitimate NHL-level defenseman.
The entire situation with Torey Krug isn't quite clear yet. The full implications of his injury (or lack thereof) are complicated, and affect the Blues' plans on the ice and in the offseason. To accomplish St. Louis' goal of competing for a playoff spot, despite being in a retool, someone may need to fill the hole left by Torey Krug's absence. While there aren't many great offensive options on the blue line, Justin Faulk, Colton Parayko, and Scott Perunovich are all solid candidates to lead the effort.