Kuhlman played in 19 games for Boston this season, scoring a goal and notching an assist. He appeared in 75 games (7 G, 8 A) over four NHL seasons for the Original Six franchise, splitting time between Boston and American Hockey League-affiliate Providence.
"Karson is a real good two-way player," Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol said before Monday's matinee against Chicago. "He's a reliable checking player that has offensive ability."
Kraken assistant coach Jay Leach knows plenty about Kuhlman's offensive upside. In 2018-19, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals and added 16 assists in 58 games for the AHL Providence Bruins during Leach's tenure as Providence head coach. Kuhlman's plus/minus rating for Leach was plus-23.
Kuhlman was called up to Boston that season, scoring two goals and notching three assists in 11 regular-season games, plus a goal and two assists in eight Stanley Cup Playoffs games. Kuhlman appeared in 16 postseason games with Boston over the last three hockey years, recording one goal and two assists for three points.
Kuhlman turned in four outstanding seasons for NCAA powerhouse Minnesota-Duluth before signing with Boston as an undrafted free agent in April 2018. The Bruins re-signed Kuhlman to a second pro contract in 2020.
