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Columbus Blue Jackets sign Sean Kuraly to a 4-year deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Sean Kuraly to a 4-year, $10M deal with a $2.5M AAV.

Kuraly was acquired by the Boston as part of a trade with the San Jose Sharks for goaltender Martin Jones on June 30, 2015. The native of Dublin, Ohio, had been selected by the Sharks in the fifth round (No. 133) of the 2011 NHL Draft after his second season with Indianapolis of the United States Hockey League.

Instead of turning pro, Kuraly spent one more season with Indiana before heading to Miami University (OH), playing four seasons with the RedHawks. As a senior in 2015-16, he was named captain but struggled offensively, finishing with 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 36 games.

Still, Kuraly signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on March 29, 2016.

The 6-foot-2, 213-pound center spent most of the 2016-17 season with Providence of the American Hockey League, but he did play in eight regular-season games with Boston and got his first NHL point, an assist, against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 2, 2017. Kuraly remained with the Bruins during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs and scored his first two NHL goals, including the winner in the second overtime of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Ottawa Senators.

Kuraly made the Bruins out of training camp in 2017 and scored his first regular-season NHL goal in a 2-1 win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Nov. 2.

Kuraly has settled into a role as a depth forward, albeit one who can contribute offensively when called upon.

In the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Kuraly had 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 20 games to help the Bruins advance to the Cup Final, where they lost to the St. Louis Blues in seven games.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
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