It's not that he's a bad player. Or even that he's overpaid (which he is). It's just that the team is very deep and has many non superstar prospects/tweeners who are already trying to claim bottom 6 spots. If they're making signings it should be for top 6 players, otherwise just let their youth fight it out.

And I know they need some vets to help everyone Along but they have Jenner, Voracek and Nyqvist. Let alone Laine and Domi in their unique circumstances.

He, like Roslovic, is from the Columbus area. It’s a play to help sell more tickets knowing they won’t be good.

They do have some veterans, but they are all T6 players. I also don’t think Domi/Nyquist are with CBJ by the end of the season (and in the case of Domi, he won’t be re-signed if he is). I still even think Laine is likely to be traded by this time next year, so having Kuraly, a veteran who has spent time learning from Bergeron, Chara, Krejci, who has been a playoff difference maker, is important.

Kuraly is also a designated B6 Center. The young guns who they have who need the playing time (Tex, Foudy, Bemstrom, Chinakhov, etc.) need T6/T9 playing time - part of the reason Bemstrom, for instance, has had his development stunted is because he’s spent the last two years playing on the fourth line, a role he is most definitely not suited for.

Finally, it’s PR. For a team that has had to fight the “no one wants to play for CBJ” narrative the past few years, it’s important to have someone who is a local guy, and can vouch for the team.

Thanks for the explanation!