Jiri Kulich’s Injury Update
Jiri Kulich, the 21-year-old center for the Buffalo Sabres, will be unavailable for an extended period due to a blood clot, as confirmed by head coach Lindy Ruff on Monday. Kulich, who has been a key player on the team’s first line, is currently recuperating after missing the last three games, with his most recent outing occurring on November 1 against the Washington Capitals, where he skated for just over 11 minutes.
Season Performance and Recovery
In his 12 appearances this season, Kulich has recorded three goals and five points, averaging over 16 minutes of ice time per game. Ruff emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating,
“It’s related to a blood clot that was found… pretty serious,”
while declining to release further specifics. Although there is no set timeline, Ruff expressed optimism that Kulich will return to the ice this season, depending largely on his recovery progress over the next few weeks.
Impact on Team and National Representation
The implications of Kulich’s absence extend beyond the Sabres; they pose a challenge for Czechia’s national hockey team ahead of the Winter Olympics beginning on February 11 in Milan-Cortina. The Sabres have already been dealing with a slew of injuries, including the loss of forwards Zach Benson, Justin Danforth, Josh Norris, and Jason Zucker. Additionally, captain Rasmus Dahlin has taken a leave of absence to support his fiancée during her recovery from a heart transplant, with no definitive return date provided.
Potential Replacements and Future Outlook
As for potential replacements, Ruff mentioned that Ryan McLeod might step up as the first-line center, while players like Noah Ostlund, Tyson Kozak, and Peyton Krebs could be utilized to fill the gaps in the lineup. Kulich’s withdrawal from the Olympics could lead to the Czech team seeking another forward, as they prepare for a roster that may include several prospects outside the NHL.
Career Highlights and Current Team Standing
Kulich was drafted in the first round by Buffalo in 2022 and had a promising 2024-25 season, where he tallied 15 goals and 24 points over 65 games, finishing tied for seventh in scoring on a Sabres team that struggled to make an impact in the league. Currently, Buffalo sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 5-6-4 and shares the fewest points in the Eastern Conference with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Sabres are also facing the risk of finishing the season with the least points in the NHL, four points ahead of the Calgary Flames.
