Boston Bruins: Why Karson Kuhlman will be the breakout star in 2019
By Mason Roy
After a strong playoff performance, Karson Kuhlman is looking to make a name for himself with his first full season with the Boston Bruins.
Even though he only played in 19 games for the Boston Bruins last year, Karson Kuhlman showed a multitude of potential within that short period. With a new season upon us, Kuhlman is looking to prove himself to Bruins fans.
In 11 regular season games last season, Karson Kuhlman put up 5 points with 3 goals and 2 assists. His strong play continued on into the playoffs as he scored 1 goal and 2 assists in 8 games. Kuhlman provided great depth for Boston throughout the playoffs, including scoring a pivotal goal in game six of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Bruins will look for someone to step up for them early as Marcus Johansson left a hole in the lineup by departing for Buffalo. Karson Kuhlman has the versatility to fill into that role or others if need be. While Kuhlman is listed as a center, he showed during the playoffs that he has the ability to play wing too. This gives the Bruins an abundance of options on how to set up the lineup.
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The flexibility Kuhlman gives to Boston also gives the opportunity to see who he works the best with. Such possibilities to see is if he can fit in as David Kreji’s right wing or for Charlie Coyle.
They can also see if Coyle is moved to the second line as the wing that Kuhlman can thrive as the center for the third line or if they should have someone else like David Backes or Jack Studnicka be the center for that line.
Not only does this season give Karson Kuhlman the chance to prove himself at the top level, another variable will play into Kuhlman’s season. Kuhlman will be entering a contract year with him being set to be an RFA after the season.
Ther fact that Karson is in a contract year will play to him being the breakout star this season. Kuhlman will have a hunger this season as he will be trying to prove to the Bruins why he should be in the team’s long-term plans.
Next. Have Boston improved enough to still be a contender?. dark
Karson Kuhlman made a name for himself last season with a strong playoff performance. Kuhlman will be looking to care that play over to this upcoming season as the Bruins look to make it back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fourth straight season.