The frustration level might have been even higher had he been forced out of the lineup by injury so close to the end of the regular season, but in the end, those were minor inconveniences given his return to his hometown was one of the top stories of the CBJ season.
After five seasons in Boston, the Dublin native had what was likely the best season of his NHL career, posting 14 goals and 30 points to set new career standards after signing a four-year deal as a free agent to join the Blue Jackets.
More than that, he was a crucial piece of the CBJ lineup no matter where he was slotted by head coach Brad Larsen, whether it was leading an energy line that always seemed to get the team going, helping bring along some of the team's young prospects, or taking key draws throughout the season as one of the Jackets' top centermen.
To do it all wearing the union blue sweater he cheered for growing up was the icing on the cake.
"Personally, it's probably one of the most fun years I've had on a daily basis," he said. "It doesn't end with the championship, it doesn't end with a playoff exit or playoff series win -- and that's where you want to be -- but I think as a group we like where we're headed.
"Personally, I got to enjoy a lot of fun hockey this year. When you're enjoying it and having fun, you're playing well and you're performing, and that's the name of the game here."
From the perspective of his head coach, Brad Larsen, Kuraly was a nice addition to the lineup for a variety of reasons. Known for his speed and how hard he was to play against in a bottom-six role in Boston, Kuraly came to Columbus as a veteran player who knew how to play his game and lean into what he brings to the table.
To Larsen, that means being physical and hard on the puck, playing reliable defense, bringing effort and winning key faceoffs.
"I don't think there (has been) many surprises, but I say that in a good way," Larsen said late in the season. "I think we had a pretty good read on what he was. We watched him play quite a bit, coached against him and did some video work on him and all those things. As far as expectations, I think he's exceeded a little bit, but no surprises.
"He's so consistent in his effort. As long as he keeps it within the lines for him as far as not trying to do too much with the puck, he's a real important player. You see how I use him. I use him all the time in some real important situations. He has handled it very well."