Will Buffalo Sabres prospects Kulich, Rosen, continue to impress?

The Buffalo Sabres have plenty of exciting prospects playing in the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs, but two of them jump out more than any other. 

I can name a few prospects who have had an outstanding postseason so far. Tyson Kozak has been all over the ice. And the hard-hitting grinder had two remarkable scoring plays that stood out above the others, including a bizarre pass that somehow found its way to Linus Weissbach for a goal.

It was Weissbach’s only goal so far, but he too created more than a few scoring opportunities that led to three assists so far in the playoffs. Lukas Rousek has also shown time and again why he deserves a longer look once training camp rolls around.

But if there are two prospects who jumped out at me more than any other, it’s Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen. Kulich has been sensational after missing the first two games with a lower body injury, and he’s put up three goals and four points since.

Rosen’s pass from the boards in Game 5 on Kozak’s goal was one of a few heads-up plays he’s made so far in the playoffs. And it was yet another example of him showing us how far we’ve come.

Can Rosen, Kulich, keep making their cases to play for the Buffalo Sabres?

Right now, I’ll be honest. The duo will continue to impress and show us why they belong in the NHL, but whether it’s going to happen or not is a different story. Given the number of productive forwards already on the Sabres roster, there isn’t a lot of room, and the two are better off getting reps in Rochester as opposed to playing the fourth line or rotating in and out of the lineup as extras.

Therefore, I DO think they will keep making their cases, and that case-making will extend into next season. However, I could see Rosen joining the Sabres for a one-off, or perhaps a two-game appearance. Meanwhile, it’s also possible that Kulich gets an ultra-long look in camp to potentially replace Victor Olofsson if the Blue and Gold move on from the winger.

Overall, I can see them both ending up with the Buffalo Sabres, as full-time players eventually. For Kulich, it could be 2024-25, as I don’t see Kyle Okposo sticking around past next season if he re-signs. Rosen is the wild card, but I could see him at least battling for a roster spot depending on how long they re-sign Zemgus Girgensons and Tyson Jost for, assuming they return.

In short, look for them to keep playing at a high level in the playoffs, and into next season. Both will get a look and make their respective debuts at some point, most likely in the same way Rousek did this past season. And in the meantime, look for them to dominate in Rochester.

(Statistics provided by Amerks.com)