Rookie Plays Things Kool for Buffalo
Total Season Stats: GP 62, G 15, A 9, PTS 24 -4
Age: 21
Contract Status: Entering year 2 of a 3 year deal, $886,666 Cap Hit, RFA in 2027
The Buffalo Sabres finally got to reap the benefits of Jiri Kulich this season. The 28th overall pick from Florida in 2022 earned his full time debut in the NHL this season. And he looked pretty “kool” along the way, showing strong signs of his goal scoring talent. Jiri netted a solid 15 goals in 62 games but missed time with injury, unfortunately. He suffered a concussion against the Vegas Golden Knights on a questionable hit to the face. He missed multiple games as a result, including the team’s four game road trip from Boston to Winnipeg. You never like to see that with any player, especially one in the early part of his career. Kulich returned later in the season and slowly picked back up where he was chugging along.
After head coach Lindy Ruff moved Tage Thompson to the wing for injury concerns, Kulich got an extended look on the top line. He didn’t excel but he didn’t look out of place either. He interchanged with Ryan McLeod as well, moving a notch down the lineup. The trading of Dylan Cozens and injury to Josh Norris opened up some doors for both Kulich and McLeod. Both made impressions, especially Ryan. But barring injury, I think Kulich ends up centering the third line this coming season. I see Norris, McLeod, Kulich and Krebs down the middle at center for Buffalo. McLeod and Kulich will probably switch out spots at points and that is fine. Jiri should see time with solid linemates, Zucker or Benson on one side and Tuch or Quinn/Greenway on the other. With that support and his skill, anything less than 20 goals would be a disappointment. Kulich will be a regular 30 goal player in the NHL soon, he has the talent and the drive.
All in all, Kulich had a solid rookie campaign, minus his injury scare. Jiri took another heavy hit during the season as well so he needs to keep his head up more and protect himself. At 6’1″ and 190 pounds, he should probably pack on a few more pounds of muscle for year two. Fortunately, one of the best strength and conditioning coaches around just joined the Sabres. Brian Galivan was hired by Buffalo recently after a distinguished six-year tenure with USA Hockey. Hopefully he gets Kulich and all the players running at peak condition.
Jiri’s defensive game needs some work but nearly all players his age do. His backchecking needs improvement and quite frankly, more involvement. His fundamentals are there but he needs to invest in his 200 foot game more. Much of that will come with experience but he needs to be coached up too. And that part worries me with this staff, beyond Lindy at least. Kulich has good vision and a nose for the net. The kid is going to score lots of goals in his career. The key is to round out his game and make him a more effective overall player.