The Buffalo Sabres announced on Tuesday that forward Jiri Kulich has been loaned to the Rochester Americans, their AHL affiliate. This strategic move allows the Sabres to potentially activate forward Zach Benson from injured reserve, as Benson looks to return against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. Benson, who has been out for five games due to a lower-body injury, took part in a full practice on Monday and participated in Tuesday’s morning skate. Head coach Lindy Ruff noted that Benson’s availability would depend on further evaluation and discussion with the player.
“We’ll get him off the ice this morning and see how he’s feeling,” Ruff stated, highlighting the importance of ensuring Benson is ready to contribute effectively.
Jiri Kulich, at 20 years old, has shown a promising start this season. Following a summer dedicated to improving his physicality, Kulich impressed during training camp, ultimately earning a spot on the initial 23-man roster for the regular season. His physical growth has been a key area of focus, particularly after leading Rochester in goals for two consecutive seasons, a testament to his offensive talent.
Kulich played in eight of the Sabres’ first twelve games, netting his first NHL goal on October 17 in a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite this notable achievement, the Sabres believe that consistent playing time in the AHL will be instrumental for Kulich’s ongoing development. Ruff shared his thoughts on Kulich’s progress thus far:
“Like many young players, there’s a lot of positives,” Ruff said. “His game has really come along since training camp. Ideally, a player like Kulich, whose shot is his main asset, needs to be in a position where he can utilize that weapon regularly, like being on a top power-play unit. His biggest threat is his ability to shoot, and he needs opportunities to make that impact. That said, his five-on-five play has also been strong. He’s been determined, capable of skating well, and has shown good defensive skills. People around him notice how much stronger he is compared to last year, which is a great sign for his future. He’s right on the edge of becoming the player we know he can be.”
Loaning Kulich to Rochester allows him the opportunity to play a more substantial role offensively. Competing in the AHL will enable him to refine his shot and develop his overall game, preparing him for a larger role in the NHL. With Benson potentially coming back, the Sabres gain additional forward depth, while Kulich benefits from the crucial playing time needed at this stage in his career.