Krug could miss season with pre-arthritic changes in ankle

St. Louis Blues defenseman Torey Krug has been diagnosed with pre-arthritic changes in his left ankle, the team announced Tuesday.

Krug will attempt to rehabilitate the injury himself over the next six-to-eight weeks. If he needs surgery, he'll miss the entire 2024-25 season.

The injury stemmed from a bone fracture earlier in his career.

Krug is entering the fifth season of a seven-year contract he signed with the Blues in 2020. He carries a $6.5-million cap hit, which can be placed entirely on long-term injured reserve if he's unable to play.

The 33-year-old posted 39 points in 77 games last season, averaging nearly 22 minutes per night while posting a minus-31 rating - the worst mark of his career.