"I'm very opposed to that," the defenseman said of signing a one-year contract. "I've bet on myself. I've taken shorter-term deals, less amount of money my whole career now. This is my time in terms of my value at its peak. I have the ability, I'm in a position now where I need to make the most of it."
The 29-year-old, who reiterated he would like to stay with the Bruins, can become an unrestricted free agent with his four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million about to expire. Prior to that, he signed two consecutive one-year contracts, worth $1.4 million for 2014-15 and $3.4 million in 2015-16.
With a flat NHL salary cap next season ($81.5 million), and Krug likely in line for a considerable raise, it's not certain Boston will be able to find space for him. He said contact between his agent and the Bruins has been "very few and far between."
Defenseman Zdeno Chara, who played the past two seasons each on a one-year contract, said Thursday he wanted to keep playing for the Bruins. The 43-year-old is the Boston captain.
"I'm not really sure what the future holds," Krug said. "I'm willing to sit back and see what happens here."
Krug has 337 points (67 goals, 270 assists) in seven NHL seasons since joining the Bruins as an undrafted free agent. He scored 49 points (nine goals, 40 assists) this season, and had six assists in 13 postseason games. Boston was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Second Round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I've spent my whole adult life, my whole professional career, here in this organization, city," Krug said "I've done seemingly everything they've asked of me. I'm proud of that. I've put all my energy into trying to help this team win games and win championships. … There's an emotional attachment."
