Bruins Training camp: Blümel Seeks NHL Chance, Kuraly Returns a Veteran Presence
Boston, MA – Bruins training camp is underway, with both new faces and familiar veterans vying for roster spots ahead of the upcoming season. Forward Jakub Blümel is aiming to translate his dominant AHL performance into an NHL breakthrough,while returning forward Sean Kuraly brings a broadened perspective gained from his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Blümel, who signed a one-year deal with the Bruins in July, emphasized the importance of a supportive habitat as he pushes for a roster position. “It is indeed really nice as during the year you have ups and downs, and especially when you’re in yoru downs, you want to have some Czech players around to lift you up, pick you up and help you a little bit,” Blümel said.The 25-year-old is looking for a fresh start in Boston after three years with the Dallas organization where he felt he had “been doing everything I coudl to earn a spot on the team” without success. He and his agents sought a team where he felt he had the ”best chance to get into the NHL and earn a spot on the team.”
Last season with the Texas Stars, Blümel showcased his offensive capabilities, logging 72 points (39 goals, 33 assists) in 67 games. bruins assistant coach John Sturm, who previously coached against Blümel with the Ontario Reign, recognizes his scoring threat. “He was one of those guys that we had to make sure we covered this guy because he’s such a good shooter and scorer,” Sturm said. “Especially on the power play – where Leon Draisaitl hangs out – he has that spot. He was so hazardous.”
Blümel is focused on demonstrating a well-rounded game during camp. “I’ve always liked to score, I’ve always liked to play on offense. But the last three years in the AHL, I had a great coaching group, and they helped me to be better on both sides of the rink,” he explained. “I think it looks like I really like offense and to score goals, but I also can help on the other side of the ice and that is what I am coming here with. Whatever role I get, I’ll take it.”
Simultaneously occurring, Sean Kuraly is back in Boston after four seasons with the Columbus blue Jackets, having signed a two-year contract in July. The 32-year-old forward acknowledges his growth both as a player and a person. “The biggest thing for me professionally is I’ve seen a different side of this league. I was on some teams that weren’t as successful as the teams I was on here,and I think you seem to learn a lot on teams like that also,” Kuraly said. “Being a part of losing and the other side of it teaches you some patience and some things that, fortunately, I didn’t learn when I was here - we did so much winning.But I think to be a complete player and learn as much as you can, it’s part of career growth.”
Kuraly skated on a line with michael Eyssimont and Mark Kastelic on the first day of camp, with Sturm emphasizing speed, simplicity, and direct play. ”It’s awesome. It has been exciting,” Kuraly said. “It feels a little bit different.You are familiar [with] your surroundings, but some new faces, also some familiar faces. It’s been just a fresh, exciting kind of feel for me.”
