Buffalo Sabres Center Jiri Kulich Out Indefinitely Due to Blood Clot
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich will be sidelined for an extended period due to a blood clot, as confirmed by head coach Lindy Ruff on Monday. The 21-year-old player, who is in his second full season, has already missed the team’s last three games. Kulich last played on November 1, 2023, against the Washington Capitals, where he logged only 11:19 of ice time. So far this season, he has recorded three goals and five points across 12 games, averaging 16:21 of ice time.
Ruff noted the seriousness of Kulich’s condition, stating, “It’s related to a blood clot that was found. I’m not going to go any further into detail, but pretty serious.” Despite the grim diagnosis, he expressed hope that Kulich could return this season, with a timeline dependent on how the next three to four weeks unfold.
Kulich’s absence poses challenges not just for the Sabres but also for the Czechia men’s national team, which is preparing for the upcoming Winter Olympics set to begin on February 11, 2024, in Milan-Cortina. The Sabres are already dealing with injuries and absences, including forwards Zach Benson, Justin Danforth, Josh Norris, and Jason Zucker. Additionally, captain and top defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is currently on a leave of absence to support his fiancée as she recovers from a heart transplant, with no set timetable for his return.
Ruff provided an update on Benson, indicating that the young forward is making progress from a lower-body injury but has yet to resume practice. Zucker, suffering from a flu-like illness, will also miss the Sabres’ upcoming three-game road trip, beginning against the Utah Mammoth.
In light of Kulich’s situation, the Sabres may continue to utilize Ryan McLeod as their first-line center, while Noah Ostlund, Tyson Kozak, and Peyton Krebs are expected to fill the remaining center positions.
Kulich’s potential absence from the Olympics raises questions about Czechia’s roster strategy. With established NHL centers like Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins and Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights, Kulich was projected to play as a top-six left winger on the second line, potentially alongside Hertl and Martin Necas from the Colorado Avalanche. If he cannot participate, Czechia will need to identify a suitable replacement, particularly as the national team is anticipated to include several players from outside the NHL.
Last season, Kulich, a first-round pick in 2022, made a significant impact, scoring 15 goals and accumulating 24 points in 65 games. He was tied for seventh in goals on a Sabres team that struggled, finishing seventh in the eight-team Atlantic Division. Entering Monday, the Sabres held a record of 5-6-4, placing them last in the Atlantic Division and tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the fewest points in the Eastern Conference. With playoff appearances elusive since 2011, the Sabres are currently just four points ahead of the Calgary Flames for the fewest points in the NHL this season.
The Sabres face a crucial period ahead as they navigate Kulich’s absence and seek to improve their standings while preparing for upcoming challenges.
