The Buffalo Sabres' sluggish offense during their 0-3-0 start to the 2025-26 campaign has necessitated some early-season line juggling from head coach Lindy Ruff, who made it clear center Jiri Kulich is in danger of losing his spot in the lineup.
Kulich skated alongside Jordan Greenway, who's working his way back from injury, and enforcer Mason Geertsen during Tuesday's practice. Ruff confirmed the 21-year-old forward could be scratched for Wednesday night's game against the Ottawa Senators.
"He needs to be a better player. He needs to make more plays," Ruff told reporters. "He needs to skate more. His skating inside the game hasn't been where it was last year."
Kulich has yet to record a point through three games while compiling a modest seven shots on goal and a minus-four rating.
Buffalo Sabres' big bet on Jiri Kulich earning a key top-six role isn't paying off so far
Kulich was always projected to center one of the Sabres' top two lines in his second full NHL season, and his importance increased further when Josh Norris suffered an injury in the team's loss to the New York Rangers that'll sideline him at least eight weeks.
So, it's not a promising sign he could be a healthy scratch just four games into the campaign.
Kulich put together some solid stretches as a rookie last year, but his overall numbers certainly didn't jump off the page. He tallied 24 points (15 goals and nine assists) in 62 appearances despite often being put in offensively favorable situations, especially down the stretch.
In turn, asking him to handle a crucial scoring role following the departure of winger JJ Peterka came with some risk for Buffalo.
Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams opted not to replace Peterka directly, instead making another substantial bet on internal growth filling in the gaps. Along with Kulich, the front office hoped Zach Benson, who returned to practice Tuesday, and Josh Doan could step up offensively.
The early results are worrisome to say the least. The Blue and Gold have scored just two goals in 180 minutes of hockey to open the season. They're 0 for 11 on the power play.
Given the circumstances, it doesn't come as a shock that Ruff's going to change things up with hope of generating more chances starting Wednesday against the Sens. Buffalo simply can't afford to dig a massive hole inside the season's first 20 games.
That said, potentially taking Kulich out of the lineup over minimal-offense contributors like Peyton Krebs, Justin Danforth and the entire fourth line (Tyson Kozak, Josh Dunne and Beck Malenstyn) doesn't seem on the surface like it'll solve the problem.
Ruff is probably just trying to send a message to the 2022 first-round pick. His comments about skating suggest he's more focused on the center's effort than anything else. Perhaps one game in the press box will deliver that message loud and clear.
Ultimately, it doesn't change the fact the Sabres need Kulich to become a consistent offensive playmaker if the team is going to level out and remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.