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Buffalo Sabres: Settling the great Jiri Kulich vs. Matt Savoie debate

BySion Fawkes|
Sep 28, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Eric Robinson (50) skates with the puck against Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (27) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Eric Robinson (50) skates with the puck against Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (27) in the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

If we are going by what’s being said in press conferences, the Buffalo Sabres may only have room for just one skater from the 2022 NHL Draft.

The Buffalo Sabres may be facing a problem come training camp, but it’s a good problem to an extent. We know, at least per general manager Kevyn Adams’ words, that they would like to bring back aging forward Kyle Okposo along with Zemgus Girgensons, who served as team captain and alternate captain, respectively, last season.

That’s fine and all, and while I don’t like the idea, I can also see why Adams would want to bring back his captains. One issue is that it would most likely prevent either Jiri Kulich or Matt Savoie, two ultra-talented forwards drafted last season, from making the main roster. At least early on.

Kulich and Savoie have both shown more than enough skill and productivity to play at the next level, and my instant prediction is that they will both, eventually next season, see ice time together. But that probably won’t be the case in the early going. So iif the Blue and Gold are forced to choose, who are they rolling with and why?

Buffalo Sabres may need to choose between Kulich or Savoie in 2023-24

Marty Biron actually had a sound answer for this, and it’s one I can jump on board with. In case you missed it, check out this 40 second snippet of his take regarding the issue:

I love what Biron said here, and I agree with it. Since Savoie can’t play in the AHL thanks to the CHL’s rules prohibiting its players under the age of 20 from seeing time in the NHL’s minor league, look for the former ninth overall pick to get the nod over Kulich.

Obviously, this has nothing to do with Kulich, and it’s more of a product of circumstance than anything else. Since Kulich can play in the AHL, he’s already in the direct pipeline while Savoie, if he were to return to juniors, wouldn’t be, prohibiting the latter from further developing his game with coaches and systems better associated wtih the organization.

In Rochester, Kulich has Seth Appert and Michael Peca, giving him access to coaches and players in the Sabres system. Therefore, look for Kulich to eventually find his way onto the Buffalo Sabres, but it won’t be immediate, while Savoie arrives in the Queen City to commence the 2023-24 season.

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