Much of the discussion surrounding the Jackets for this upcoming year will focus on their young players who need to take the next steps towards success in their development and new arrivals like Sean Monahan. But, it's just as vitally important for new GM Don Waddell and HC Dean Evason to discern how returning veterans like Sean Kuraly will fit into their new vision for the Franchise.
As he enters a contract season, Sean will continue to provide what he has since he signed in Arch City: a highly competitive checking line center that will continue to bring grit to a club that sorely needs it.
Kuraly missed just 20 games in 2023-2024, which is miraculous considering the severity of his abdominal injury, which cost him a month of play after he took a puck to the chest on December 23rd.
In 62 games, he posted a 9-9-18 line with 40 PIM and a 48.1% win percentage in the faceoff dot. While these numbers might seem lackluster, Sean has always been a PK specialist and a "glue guy," as described by former CBJ head coach Pascal Vincent.
"He's a glue guy. He's a leader. He brings intensity. He brings people in the fight. Huge on the (penalty kill). He competes hard −just that alone is huge. Key faceoffs. It's so many things."Former CBJ Head Coach Pascal Vincent
Sean is entering the final year of the 4 x $2.5 million deal he signed during the 2021 offseason, and it remains to be seen if or where he will fit into Don Waddell's plans following this upcoming season as he plans to celebrate his 32nd birthday in January.
Kuraly is a known entity, and it's fairly easy to predict what he will bring to the Jackets this season: a lockdown, veteran presence to the team's checking, or fourth, line. Dean Evason will be able to rely upon him to win a key faceoff in the defensive zone often and lead a second penalty kill line whenever needed.
One bold prediction: Kuraly will have a solid bounce-back year in Dean Evason's complimentary system. He'll play in at least 78 games and post a 15-15-30 line in 2024-2025.
This prediction may not seem all that bold, but Sean has never played an entire season in his career and has reached the 30-point plateau just once: his first season in Columbus in 2021-2022. Despite this, I feel his style of play will mesh perfectly with Dean Evason's tough, forechecking-focused system, and this will allow Kuraly to thrive in a way that we haven't seen in several years.
Sean will always be a fan favorite for his love of the city, fanbase and his status as a homegrown talent from his AAA Blue Jackets days, and I have no doubt that this season will only solidify this status.