Ex-Bruin, Kraken, Jet signs in Finland

American forward Karson Kuhlman has signed a one-year contract with Lukko, the Finnish Liiga announced on Saturday. For 28-year-old Kuhlman, it will be his first European team.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Rauma and starting work,” said Kuhlman.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Kuhlman has spent the last six seasons shuttling between the NHL and AHL for the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets and New York Islanders. He’s recorded 30 points in 147 NHL games and four points in 17 playoff games. He spent the entire 2023-24 season playing for the Bridgeport Islanders, where he recorded 22 points in 72 games.

“Last season we had a lot of Finns in the team, so it was easy to get information from them,” said Kuhlman. “I talked to many people who played in Finland and everyone’s comments were really positive. Those things had a big impact.”

Internationally, Kuhlman played for the USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, where he had four points in 10 games.

“It’s a rare treat to bring a guy like this to Finland, and it’s especially great that Karson is coming to Rauma,” said Lukko sports director Kalle Sahlstedt. “I’m really excited about this acquisition, and I look forward to seeing Karson on the ice soon.”