Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich is in concussion protocol after leaving Saturday's victory against the Vegas Golden Knights early. He sustained the injury from a hit by Vegas forward Brett Howden. It appears that Kulich will be sidelined for some time, starting with Monday's matchup against the Boston Bruins. Josh Norris (undisclosed) and JJ Peterka (lower body) are also nursing injuries, although one of them may be ready to return on Monday and fill Kulich's spot in the lineup. Both players are considered day-to-day.
Jiri Kulich Sustains An Upper-Body Injury Saturday
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (upper body) failed to complete Saturday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. He was injured in the second period when Kulich absorbed a big hit from Vegas forward Brett Howden. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters that Kulich was doing "pretty good" after the game. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be healthy enough to play when Buffalo returns to action on Monday against the Boston Bruins. Kulich has amassed 12 goals and 19 points in 49 games during his rookie campaign.
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (illness) will remain sidelined when the Sabres host the Edmonton Oilers on Monday evening. Kulich will now miss his second-straight contest. After appearing in just one NHL contest last season, the 20-year-old has flashed solid upside during his first full season. Before this illness, Kulich tallied three points (one goal) with 12 shots on goal, seven hits, and three blocked shots. Through 47 total contests, the former 28th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft has found the back of the net 12 times and added seven helpers. He has logged 101 shots on goal (2.1 per game) with 33 hits and 24 blocked shots. As a result, Jordan Greenway (illness) could enter the starting lineup this evening.
Jiri Kulich Misses Saturday's Contest Due To Illness
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (illness) will not be in the lineup on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. He has been ruled out due to an illness. Buffalo may also be without Jordan Greenway and Jack Quinn, who are experiencing symptoms of an illness as well. Kulich has received heavy first-line usage recently. He has tallied 12 goals and 19 points in 47 games during his rookie year. Josh Dunne, who was recalled from the minors on Friday, is expected to replace Kulich in the lineup. Dunne has amassed 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) and 44 penalty minutes in 54 AHL appearances this season.
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (lower body) is considered week-to-week. He suffered a lower-body injury against Washington on Monday night, and the team placed Kulich on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. Kulich has amassed seven goals and nine points in 31 games during his rookie campaign. Buffalo plans to replace him in the lineup with Tyson Kozak, who has been brought up from the AHL. Kozak made his first three career NHL appearances in December, scoring one goal with two shots. He has collected 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 24 games with the Rochester Americans in the AHL.
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (lower body) was injured during Monday's overtime victory against the Washington Capitals. The 20-year-old logged just over five minutes of ice time before sustaining the injury. He tallied one hit, one shot on goal, and two penalty minutes. Head coach Lindy Ruff said Kulich will be evaluated on Tuesday. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his status leading up to Thursday's game against the Ottawa Senators. After playing in just one NHL contest last season, Kulich has found himself a full-time role in Buffalo this season. Across 31 contests, he has tallied nine points with 64 shots on goal while playing on the third line. Sam Lafferty or Jack Quinn may be candidates to move up to the third line if Kulich misses a period of time.
Jiri Kulich Posts First Three-Point Outing Of The Season
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich posted his first three-point game of his season on Monday evening during their demanding 7-1 victory over the New York Islanders. Kulich would score the second goal of the game in the opening frame which would eventually serve as the game-winner. Kulich beat Ilya Sorokin on a wrist shot. In the second, Kulich would tack on his lone helper on a secondary assist on Zach Benson's strike. Kulich would tally his second goal of the night in the final frame to put the game out of reach. The former 28th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft has not contributed much offensively playing primarily on the third line but this breakout showing could build some confidence. Through 25 games, he has tallied eight points. Kulich should only be rostered in dynasty formats given his lack of consistent production.
Jiri Kulich
• C
•
Sabres
