Sabres’ Jiri Kulich Out Indefinitely as Injury Crisis Deepens

UPDATE: Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich will be sidelined for an extended period due to a serious blood clot, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed on Monday. This alarming news adds to the growing list of injuries plaguing the Sabres, who are struggling to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.

Kulich’s situation is described as “pretty serious,” although specific details remain scarce. The Sabres are already grappling with significant absences, including forward Zach Benson, who was hospitalized on October 8 after a puck struck his face during practice. After a brief return that saw him score eight points in just eight games, Benson was placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury on October 31. Ruff noted that a decision on Benson’s participation in the upcoming three-game road trip is still pending, saying, “We’re going to discuss whether it’s better for him to come or stay back and keep undergoing treatment.”

Adding to the Sabres’ woes, forward Jason Zucker has been out since November 1 with a persistent “viral, flu-like” illness. Ruff stated, “He hasn’t been able to shake it,” emphasizing the seriousness of Zucker’s condition as he will not join the team on their road trip.

Captain Rasmus Dahlin recently took a leave of absence to address personal matters following a family health crisis involving his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who required a heart transplant after experiencing major heart failure while vacationing in France. There is currently no timeline for Dahlin’s return.

The Sabres are also missing top-line center Josh Norris, who has been out since October 9 due to an upper-body injury sustained in the season opener. Additionally, free agent acquisition Justin Danforth is sidelined with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot on October 15.

With the roster stretched thin, the Sabres have turned to call-ups from the Rochester Americans to fill the gaps. New additions like forwards Isak Rosén and Noah Östlund have been plugged into scoring roles with varying success, while Josh Dunne has contributed a goal in nine games from the fourth line.

Despite managing to earn points in nine of their last twelve games, the Sabres sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 5-6-4. The team will embark on a crucial road trip this week, facing opponents in Utah, Colorado, and Detroit before returning for a three-game homestand.

Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on the Sabres as they navigate this injury crisis. The team’s resilience will be put to the test in the coming days as they seek to reverse their fortunes in a highly competitive league.