Jiri Kulich News
Kulich was recalled to fill the roster spot vacated by Tage Thompson, who was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Kulich has one goal and zero assists in eight games with the Sabres this season.
With Zach Benson (lower body) ready to return from a five-game absence, Kulich has been sent down to the Rochester Americans (AHL). The 20-year-old Kulich scored one point (1G / 0A) in eight games with the Sabres this season.
Kulich will take a seat on Monday to make room for the return of Nicolas Aube-Kubel (lower-body). Kulich has registered one goal and zero assists in seven games this season.
Kulich will get the chance to make his season debut in his home country of Czechia after it was announced Zach Benson would be out on Saturday vs. New Jersey. The 20-year-old centre is only making his second NHL appearance ever after making it into one game in 2023-24. He is expected to take Benson's spot in Buffalo's top-six.
Kulich has only played one game with the Sabres this season, spending most of his time with the Rochester Americans of the AHL, where he has 22 points (16G / 6A) in 23 games. The Sabres' 28th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft has been reassigned to the Czech National Junior Team and will participate in the World Junior Tournament for the third straight year.
Kulich made his NHL debut on Saturday, playing 14:53 time-on-ice, recording zero points, one shot on goal, and a -1 plus/minus. He has been reassigned to the Rochester Americans of the AHL as the Sabres have recalled Brandon Biro.
Kulich is set to sit on Monday as the Sabres appear to be opting to dress seven defensemen against the Rangers. The 2022 first-round pick has played just one game this season, registering no points and one shot on goal.
The Sabres selected Kulich with the No.28 overall pick in this summer's NHL Draft. The Czech centre scored nine goals with five assists (14 points) in 49 games with Karlovy Vary HC (Czech Extraliga) in 2022.