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Buffalo Sabres: 3 things we want to see at the 2023 Prospects Challenge

By Sion Fawkes

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 29: Zach Benson #9 and Matthew Savoie #93 of the Winnipeg ICE congratulate teammate Connor McClennon #94 following his first period goal against the Saskatoon Blades in Game Two of the Third Round of the 2023 WHL Playoffs at Wayne Fleming Arena on April 29, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 29: Zach Benson #9 and Matthew Savoie #93 of the Winnipeg ICE congratulate teammate Connor McClennon #94 following his first period goal against the Saskatoon Blades in Game Two of the Third Round of the 2023 WHL Playoffs at Wayne Fleming Arena on April 29, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich
Amerks Jiri Kulich drives Hershey’s Garrett Pilon into the end boards. /

2 – The NEW Jiri Kulich deliver consistent well-rounded games

Jiri Kulich did something many skaters adjusting to the North American game couldn’t: He adapted so well, he took over a few contests in 2022-23. More amazingly, Kulich was just 18 years old, but it didn’t stop him from scoring 24 goals last season. And that doesn’t include his playoff tear with the Rochester Americans.

Kulich is a high-energy player, but like most young prospects, he still needed to get stronger. With that strength came greater size, as you can see in this tiny excerpt below:

"“Between the program that Rochester strength and conditioning coach Nick Craven administered for Kulich and his fellow rookies last season and a productive summer, Kulich said he is 16 pounds heavier than he was a year ago.” – Jourdon LaBarber, via NHL.com/Sabres"

Source: Prospects Notebook | Kulich embracing camp following ‘explosive’ summer

Look for Kulich to use that added size and strength to his advantage against opponents. It gives us the first glance of what should be an improved, more complete game for the second-year prospect.

No one is expecting him to make the Buffalo Sabres opening-day roster, but this season, there is nothing wrong with another stint in Rochester. With 16 more pounds added to his frame, Kulich will be fun to watch with the Amerks if he delivers us an exciting preview at the tripleheader of what should be an even more well-rounded game.

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