The former UMD captain and national champion is heading to southern Sweden after a productive season in Finland — a move that reflects the changing path for many North American pros.
Karson Kuhlman isn’t slowing down — not just yet. At 29, the Esko-born forward has packed his bags again, this time for Sweden. Rögle BK, one of the top teams in the Swedish Hockey League, announced that Kuhlman had inked a one-year deal this week.
After a full season in Finland where he racked up 46 points in 60 games, Kuhlman now moves further west, into another one of Europe’s premier hockey environments. It’s not the NHL, sure. But it’s also not a step back. For players like Kuhlman, it’s a career reboot — and it’s working.
From Duluth to the World Stage
UMD fans still talk about him. He captained the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division I national title in 2018 — and he didn’t just lead on paper. Kuhlman was the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four that year, a quiet but sharp two-way forward who showed up when it mattered most.
Then came the NHL. He bounced through Boston, Seattle, and Winnipeg. Never flashy, but serviceable — logging 147 games and chipping in 30 points. He filled bottom-six roles, played the penalty kill, and did the little things coaches like.
Two years ago, Kuhlman took the leap overseas. The decision wasn’t shocking to those who follow fringe-NHL players. But it was a move. He joined Lahti Pelicans in Finland’s Liiga, and something clicked. Maybe it was the system. Maybe the bigger ice surface. Maybe just ice time.
Either way, 21 goals and 25 assists later, Europe took notice.
Why Sweden, Why Now?
Rögle BK isn’t just any SHL team. Based in Ängelholm, the club has built a strong rep in recent years for its fast, skilled style and heavy emphasis on development. For Kuhlman, it’s a spot that offers real minutes and real visibility.
SHL is no retirement league — not even close. It’s the same league that helped springboard guys like Victor Olofsson and Joakim Nordström back to the NHL. So this isn’t just about cashing checks in comfy places.
Plus, let’s be honest. Life in Sweden’s southern coast isn’t exactly tough to sell.
Former teammate Jack Ahcan, now also in Europe, called the Swedish move “a perfect fit” for a guy like Kuhlman. “He’s all-situation smart. Coaches love him. I’d bet he’s wearing a letter by Christmas.”
What the Numbers Say
His NHL stats won’t wow you, but they’re not the whole story. It’s what he’s done since leaving North America that’s grabbing attention.
Here’s a look:
| League | Team | Season | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liiga | Pelicans | 2024–25 | 60 | 21 | 25 | 46 |
| NHL | Multiple | 2018–24 | 147 | 11 | 19 | 30 |
| AHL | Multiple | 2018–23 | 128 | 23 | 28 | 51 |
One year in Finland showed more offensive upside than his entire NHL stint. Whether it’s confidence, opportunity, or style — maybe all of it — something shifted.
He’s Not Alone
This move is part of a wider pattern. More and more, players in their late 20s — who’ve done the AHL-NHL shuffle — are finding meaningful careers overseas. And not just hanging around.
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Riley Barber, once a top Capitals prospect, is now leading scorers in the Swiss league.
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Brendan Gaunce, former Canucks first-rounder, is thriving in Sweden too.
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Even AHL lifers like Andy Miele turned Olympic experience into long, lucrative European runs.
Kuhlman fits that mold. Not elite by NHL standards. But a pro through and through.
Back Home, the Fans Still Care
Esko is a speck on the Minnesota map. But the pride runs deep.
Back in Duluth, Karson’s move made local headlines. “We’re still following him,” said longtime UMD radio voice Bruce Ciskie. “The fact he’s still playing meaningful hockey seven years after that Frozen Four… that’s something.”
One fan at a Cloquet gas station — wearing an old Bruins Kuhlman jersey — said what many think: “He’s a grinder. People respect that here.”
One sentence paragraph again.
UMD hockey fans are loyal like that.
What Comes Next?
Rögle opens SHL play this September. By then, Kuhlman will be fully settled in. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him skating top-six minutes, maybe even on special teams.
Could another strong year in Europe get him a second look in the NHL? Possibly. But maybe that’s not the goal anymore.
At this point in his career, it’s about fit, fun, and playing the game on his own terms. In Sweden, Karson Kuhlman just might have found all three.
