As we inch closer to the 2025 NHL Draft and free agency, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a ton of questions to answer. Between their off-season plans, potential additions, and draft decisions, they also need to figure out the future of their pending free agents.
One name that stands out is Ohio native Sean Kuraly. It appears he’s trending toward hitting the open market, which feels bittersweet. Kuraly is not just a local player—he signed with the Blue Jackets four years ago in an effort to bring some stability to a franchise in flux. As Aaron Portzline of The Athletic noted, “Kuraly signed four years ago with the Blue Jackets, his hometown team, to help stop the bleeding when it seemed like every significant player was requesting a trade.”
Kuraly joined Columbus following the 2020–21 season after leaving the Boston Bruins, opting to come home. But unfortunately, his time with the Blue Jackets didn’t go quite as hoped. In 292 games, he recorded just 40 goals and 45 assists for 85 points, which may lead to his time with the team coming to an end.
It’ll be tough to see him go, but the NHL is a business, and every player knows that. If Kuraly does hit free agency, don’t be surprised if he targets a team that's a Stanley Cup contender—clubs like the Edmonton Oilers or Florida Panthers could make sense as potential fits.
