Jiri Kulich, C/Czechia
Arguably the most exciting prospect of the trio, Kulich is a name Buffalo Sabres fans want to keep their eye on until he suits up in the blue and gold. Projected to play on the first line for Czechia, expect Kulich to see a lot of ice time.
And what really amazes me about Kulich with HC Energie Karlovy Vary last season, is that he knocked down 14 points and nine goals in 49 contests. Which, given his age and overall experience level in Czechia’s professional league (Extraliga), are very good numbers, especially when you compare it to Isak Rosen’s four points in 28 contests in the SHL.
That said, Kulich has proven he can hold his own against men. He further displayed his dominance in the International Junior circuit, notching 22 points, 17 goals, and five assists in 16 games.
While Luke James of The Hockey Writers claimed Kulich will spend another season in Extraliga, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News stated the possibility remains open that the Sabres could give him a spot in Rochester. In a previous article, I also stated Kulich could make the move to North America this season.