Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich, sidelined since November 1 because of blood clot complications, is anticipated to miss the rest of the current NHL season. The 21-year-old Czech player recently underwent testing to evaluate if he can safely return to elevated physical activity levels amid ongoing treatment.
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen addressed Kulich’s condition on Friday at KeyBank Center, stating,
Our main concern, obviously, is his well-being and long-term health, and second, when he can be back as a hockey player. But he’s progressing but most likely he’ll be out for the season.
While full-contact play remains off-limits, Kulich continues to skate independently in full gear to maintain conditioning. Kekalainen further explained,
He’s not able to have full contact and play hockey,
and added,
He’s doing his conditioning and preparing for whenever he’s ready to play.
Before his health issues, Kulich contributed three goals and five points over 12 games this season, following a strong rookie year in 2024-25 where he notched 15 goals and 24 points in 62 appearances. Buffalo selected him 28th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Updates on Justin Danforth and Jordan Greenway’s Rehabilitation
Kekalainen also shared progress reports on wingers Justin Danforth and Jordan Greenway, both recovering but advancing slowly in their rehabilitation. Danforth, 32, sustained a broken kneecap on October 15, while Greenway, 29, has been managing ongoing pain after two hernia surgeries and recently returned to the team following treatment.
The general manager provided cautious optimism about their potential return this season:
There is a chance they could be back this season,
he said, adding,
There’s no guarantee, but we’re hopeful.
Additional Team Movements and League Disciplinary Actions
The Sabres also made a transactional move by sending rookie defenseman Zach Metsa to the Rochester Americans, allowing him eligibility to participate in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Metsa, at 27 years old, serves as the Rochester team captain.
In league news, Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin received a five-game suspension from the NHL for slashing Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin in the neck area during Thursday’s game, which ended in a 5-1 win for Pittsburgh.
Significance and Outlook for the Sabres
Jiri Kulich’s expected absence places a significant gap in Buffalo’s roster, especially given his promising offensive production and young talent status. Meanwhile, the gradual progress of Justin Danforth and Jordan Greenway offers cautious hope for the Sabres to regain key winger depth if either can return before season’s end. Monitoring their recovery will be essential for the team’s late-season competitiveness. Additionally, disciplinary actions such as Malkin’s suspension impact player availability and on-ice dynamics as the playoff race intensifies.
