The Buffalo Sabres are just so much better with Jiri Kulich in the lineup. And if he can return fully healthy this season, it could make for some interesting forward competition.
Last season, the Czech center played just 12 games, missing practically the entire season with blood clot issues. But now, it looks like he could be back in action. At least, that’s the plan.
Assuming he’s healthy and he hasn’t missed a step, Kulich could very well jump to the top of the Sabres’ lineup. Daily Faceoff currently projects him as the top-line center, along with Zach Benson and Tage Thompson.
That’s the sort of line fans want to see in action. And if that line can stay together, it could very well push everyone else down a rung.
For instance, Josh Norris, who’s also dealt with numerous health issues, would be the second-line center. Standout Konsta Helenius could be earmarked for the third line, while Ryan McLeod could be the fourth-line pivot.
That’s impressive depth. McLeod could be a middle-six center on pretty much any team in the league. But getting relegated to the fourth line says a lot about the talent in the Sabres’ forward group.
Now, if you subtract Kulich from the equation, there’s suddenly an open spot in the Sabres’ center depth.
Perhaps a guy like Sam Carrick takes over the fourth line, while everyone else moves up a step. That seems like a decent solution.
But wouldn’t the team be that much better with Kulich in the lineup?
Kulich will be crucial as Sabres look to get over Alex Tuch
One of the storylines this season will be the adjustment the Sabres will have to make following Alex Tuch’s departure.
Sure, the Sabres have a wealth of talent. And it doesn’t look like the lineup will miss much of a beat. But until the team proves that it has managed to get over Tuch’s departure, there will be questions about just how impactful Tuch really was.
Kulich could be part of the solution to offset Tuch’s absence.
Now, it’s not like Kulich will score 30 goals and, say, 70 points. While we hope he does, that’s not necessarily the most reasonable expectation.
The 22-year-old will help offset Tuch’s loss by making his linemates better. Perhaps Kulich can help Thompson blow past 50 goals. Kulich might even be able to help Benson take that next step and become a 20-goal guy.
Those are all hypotheticals at this point. But it’s the sort of outlook the Sabres have if Kulich is in the lineup. If he is, the team will be so much better off for it.
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