Every time we turn around, it seems like we are talking about Buffalo Sabres winger J.J. Peterka and prospect Jiri Kulich for all the right reasons.
J.J. Peterka’s time in the 2023 IIHF Worlds this past month was nothing short of legendary. The soon-to-be second-year winger for the Buffalo Sabres set a tournament record for Team Germany in points, and now he’s become a nominee for IIHF Male Player of the Year.
Peterka, one of five Sabres to have competed in the IIHF Worlds, led Team Germany on an improbable run to a silver medal finish. And in the process, he took a spot on the All-Star team and was named the best forward at the event. Now that Peterka is nominated to win yet another award, we’re more than asking the question of whether this unforgettable performance will lead to a breakout season with the Sabres, as it did with Dylan Cozens the season prior.
Source: Sabres forward JJ Peterka one of seven nominees for IIHF Male Player of the Year by Mike Harrington, BuffaloNews.com
Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich receives honors
Whether Jiri Kulich finds a spot on the Sabres roster for 2023-24 remains to be seen. But there is no denying that he will end up wearing a blue and gold uniform sooner than later following what was a remarkable performance this past season.
For his efforts, he found a spot on the first-ever Top Prospects Team. Kulich finished fifth on the Rochester Americans in points this past year with 46, but he also led the team in goals with 24. Even more impressive, Kulich also led the Amerks with seven goals in the playoffs, despite the fact he missed the first two games.
How valuable was Kulich to the Amerks? You can argue that without his presence, we don’t know if the team even would have made it past the Syracuse Crunch in Round 2, who they fell into an 0-2 hole against while Kulich was working his way back from injury.
Overall, Peterka and Kulich had unforgettable performances in their respective postseason outings. And perhaps we will see them grace the same ice in 2023-24, with Peterka hopefully enjoying a breakout while Kulich acclimates to the NHL.
Source: Amerks standout Jiri Kulich named to AHL’s inaugural Top Prospects Team by Mike Harrington, BuffaloNews.com
(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects and Hockey-Reference)