This Sabres prospect should get more chances in the NHL next season.
The Buffalo Sabres are entering the summer with several free-agent forwards. Victor Olofsson, Zemgus Girgensons, Eric Robinson, and Tyson Jost will all likely be gone next season, so there should be spots to fight for on the Sabres' roster.
When looking at Sabres prospects who are deserving of consideration for more NHL time, Jiri Kulich certainly stands out. The 2022 first-round pick is coming off another strong AHL season with the Rochester Americans.
Kulich, 20, improved his scoring touch with the Amerks this campaign, posting a team-leading 27 goals - a new career-high - to go along with 45 points and a plus-2 rating in 57 games. With the Sabres needing more scoring, they should give him more reps.
Jiri Kulich
Kulich appeared in his first career NHL game during the 2023-24 campaign on Nov. 25 against the New Jersey Devils. During that matchup, he had one shot and a minus-1 rating in 14:53 of ice time.
When looking at the lineup, it is fair to argue that Kulich could compete for a spot in their bottom six next season. This is especially so when noting that he can play both down the middle and on the wing.
Nevertheless, after another impressive season in the AHL, Kulich will be a player to watch incredibly closely during the preseason. The potential for him to earn a spot is there.
