Torey Krug reiterates his desire to remain with Bruins long term

Bruins defenseman Torey Krug still has no answers regarding a potential extension with Boston, but that doesn't mean he wants to leave after nine years with the organization.

The B's signed Krug as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, and the 29-year-old expressed his desire to remain in Boston long term.

"I've said all along, I want to be part of this group and part of this locker room and part of this city," Krug said in a "Season Ticket Holder Town Hall" video chat on Tuesday, according to 98.5 The Sports Hub's Ty Anderson. "It's become home for us. We love it. You heard Fenway bark earlier. We named our dog Fenway. How much more Boston can it get?"

The puck-moving defenseman has turned into one of the best blueliners in the league, and he's been vital to Boston's success since joining the team full time in 2013.

While Bruins general manager Don Sweeney may see Krug as an asset going forward, contract negotiations have become rather difficult amid the coronavirus pandemic. There's really no telling how COVID-19 will impact the salary cap for the 2020-21 season, so that's likely why any negotiations have come to a halt.

Krug is in the final year of his four-year, $21 million deal with the B's and his set to receive a hefty raise from the $5.25 million he makes now. Some analysts have predicted Krug could make as high as $8 million per season, and while Boston may not be willing to hand out that much cash, the defenseman has said in the past he's willing to take some sort of hometown discount.

Once the NHL has some answers regarding a resume to the season, then maybe contract talks with Krug will pick up again. Otherwise, it's going to be some time before we see any deals signed.