Player Discussion Karson Kuhlman, what's his upside?

[PlayMakers]

He's been impressive since coming back. I don't think we've seen anyone have as much chemistry with DeBrusk as Kuhlman. Is he the product of that chemistry, or is he a legitimate top6 forward? I see folks penciling him into the 4th line next year, but I don't think anyone on the coaching staff or management see him as 4th line option.

Click to read more...

 

[Kalus]

I'd say a good 3rd line winger.

 

[neelynugs]

bjork-coyle-kuhlman. pretty nice 3rd line for me. i think he's a 15-20 goal guy,
good 3RW.

 

[BigGoalBrad]

DeBrusk minus a few goals.

Remember how pathetically low he was in the prospect rankings thread before this season?

 

[shelbysdad]

He makes things happen.....good speed, draws penalties.

Seems like everytime he is on the ice there is an almost moment, whether is the result of his pass,his shot,his hustle or speed.

If he can improve on his finishing ability that would be awesome, but maybe at this point he is what he is.

On the 3rd line as mentioned above, bjork-coyle-kuhlman, thats a good spot for him. Not on the 2d line though.

I see him as more of a 10 - 15 goal guy, would also like his speed on the PK

 

[HeartsAlive]

I don't get to see all the games, and I must get the underwhelming Kuhlman performances. He does look like he busts his ass nearly every shift, so I'm OK with him in the lineup. Part of me thinks he's eating Senyshyn's lunch at the NHL level though, and hopefully it eventually lights a fire under his ass.

ZS is still 2 years younger, it would be nice if this year was more of a competition between them. Next year they will both need waivers, so I'd imagine it's one or the other by then.

 

[22Brad Park]

Kuhlman always puts pucks in good spots.Really like his smarts and work ethic

 

[Tbaybruin]

Never ever been a scorer. He is such a hard worker and a real good skater. His high end would be 15 goals Should be around 10-12 per year on a third line. Just my take

 

[BruinsNetwork]

Gritty, fast, tough middle-six winger with skill. Probably best suited for the third-line, though. Kuhlman can also play center as that’s his natural position, which is intriguing. I think he could be a steady 3C in the NHL, too.

 

[finchster]

Bottom six winger, I don't think he has top six potential. It isn't like he is young either; he will be 25 next season. Late bloomers happen, but I am not sure if there is a lot of upside.

 

[GoBs]

If Kuleman was only playing on the 3rd or 4th lines I would say he is a keeper he gives it his all. I admit I was wrong about this kid but he is not a top six guy at least not now

 

[JCRO]

I view him as a high end 4th liner, low end 2nd liner.... So I guess that places him on the third line doesn't it?

But seriously- he's a fast, smart two way forward who seems to have a pretty high hockey IQ and I think that helps not label him as a fourth liner.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

I think he could be a solid 3rd line option, but man would be nice on the 4th line.

Kuraly -- Wagner -- Kuhlman

I like this a lot. Wagner is at 47.3% at the dot this year.

Just for reference:

Kuraly = 47.9% FOW
Lindholm = 47.6% FOW

 

[BruinDust]

Mid-range 3rd line two-way RWer that could give you 15G/25A over 82 games.

 

[Over the volcano]

Wonder how much his goal in game 6 colors the teams picture of him.

 

[PB37]

Needs to work on his finish.

I really like his motor and he seems more comfortable playing physical this year than he did during last year's callup. He could be a real buzzsaw on the forecheck as long as he keeps up this attitude.

 

[mikelvl]

Bottom six energy guy, not enough scoring chops for anything else

 

[HuskyBruinPride]

Upside is energy 3rd liner who can chip in maybe 35-40 points. Even if he doesn't reach that should be able to carve out a role as a 4th line energy type.

 

[member 96824]

Wakes up in some “like mike” scenario - Poor man’s Zach Parise

Realistic - 10-15 goal energy guy who can play up. Rich Peverley ish

 

[DominicT]

I don't get to see all the games, and I must get the underwhelming Kuhlman performances. He does look like he busts his ass nearly every shift, so I'm OK with him in the lineup. Part of me thinks he's eating Senyshyn's lunch at the NHL level though, and hopefully it eventually lights a fire under his ass.

ZS is still 2 years younger, it would be nice if this year was more of a competition between them. Next year they will both need waivers, so I'd imagine it's one or the other by then.

Kuhlman will not require waivers next season unless he plays in 28 more games this season. Bruins have 25 games remaining + playoffs.

If he doesn't reach that, he "could" start next year in Providence and then the countdown begins.

 

[YouTakeTheVan]

Upside is energy 3rd liner who can chip in maybe 35-40 points.

¿Qué....?

That's his present, actual, contribution. Okay, he's a little shy, on a 30 point pace so far through his first 36 NHL games, playing 2nd/3rd line, but when he completes his first 82 he'll be there.

 

[Sheppy]

Bottom 6 winger, like most of the guys we overvalue.

10-15 goal scorer, 30 point guy, probably.

 

[mjhfb]

Bottom six winger, I don't think he has top six potential. It isn't like he is young either; he will be 25 next season. Late bloomers happen, but I am not sure if there is a lot of upside.

I know what you mean, but I'll never get used to reading that 25 is not young.

 

[Kalus]

Wonder how much his goal in game 6 colors the teams picture of him.

That one was a beauty, but they are smarter than that.

You give pretty much any guy in the league a little bit of room, they can pull off a skilled move. Think Dangles Thorty on that penalty shot, for example. I think I remember John Scott having a pretty goal or two as another example.

 

[Over the volcano]

I know what you mean, but I'll never get used to reading that 25 is not young.

Well some would tell you that Senyshyn's already washed up at 22 years old.