Sabres activate Jiri Kulich off injured reserve

The Buffalo Sabres have activated forward Jiri Kulich off injured reserve and loaned forward Tyson Kozak to the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Rochester Americans.

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff revealed two weeks ago that Kulich would not be travelling with the team on its upcoming trip and was considered out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

In 31 games during the 2024-25 campaign, the Czechia native has scored seven goals and two assists for nine points, last finding the back of the net in the Sabres’ 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 29.

Kulich has been trying to make waves during his first full season with the Sabres. The former first-round pick made his NHL debut on Nov. 25, 2023, but that ended up being his only appearance. He started the season with the Sabres before having a brief stint with Rochester. Kulich was called back up in mid-November and has been with the team ever since.

Meanwhile, Kozak appeared in seven games with the Sabres, making his National Hockey League (NHL) debut on Dec. 6 against the Winnipeg Jets where he logged 8:26 of ice time, highlighted by a disallowed go-ahead goal due to goaltender interference. The former Portland Winterhawks forward recorded his first NHL goal in Dec, against the Utah Hockey Club.

Buffalo currently has a record of 17-23-5 and 39 points in 45 games this season. The Sabres’ are slated to play the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, the Calgary Flames on Thursday and the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday as they continue their western road trip.