Sean Kuraly’s ‘Excited’ Reaction After Reuniting With Bruins in Free Agency

The Boston Bruins spent the offseason reinforcing their roster after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, and one guy they ended up reuniting with in free agency was veteran center Sean Kuraly. With training camp underway, Kuraly recently opened up on his decision to return to Boston over the offseason.

Kuraly initially broke into the NHL with the Bruins in 2016, emerging as a key center who usually played on the team’s fourth line. In 270 games with Boston, Kuraly racked up 24 goals and 44 assists, often playing a strong brand of two-way hockey that endeared him to fans.

After the 2020-21 season, Kuraly signed a four-year, $10 million contract with his hometown Columbus Blue Jackets. During that stretch, Kuraly played in 292 games, scoring 40 goals and dishing out 45 assists.

A free agent again this offseason, Kuraly opted to sign a two-year, $3.7 million deal to return to Boston. When speaking about his decision to reunite with the B’s, Kuraly made it clear that he’s excited to be back in the place where his NHL career started.

“It’s awesome,” Kuraly said when speaking to reporters on Thursday. “It’s been exciting. It kind of feels a little bit different, familiar surroundings, but some new faces, also some familiar faces. It’s been a fresh, exciting kind of feel for me personally.”

While Kuraly’s role will likely remain the same with the Bruins, his standing in the locker room is different. Kuraly is no longer a young buck looking up to guys like Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and Zdeno Chara. He has a wealth of experience now that should help him emerge as a leader on this team.

Bolstering the third and fourth lines was a big goal for general manager Don Sweeney this offseason, and there’s no doubt that Kuraly will help the cause this upcoming season. If all goes according to plan, he could play a big role in helping Boston return to the playoffs in the 2025-26 campaign.