It has been a while since the Buffalo Sabres have had this level of excitement around the trade deadline. At this point, it is still a big unknown exactly what the team might do, as this will be Jarmo Kekalainen's first trade deadline as general manager for the Buffalo Sabres.
While it would be great to see them make a big splash and go get a player like Robert Thomas or Vincent Trocheck, it is probably not what the Sabres should do. What it would take to acquire some of those players might not be worth it for this team.
Another reason is that they don't need to force it as they are expected to get more players back from injuries over the coming weeks. The return that could have the biggest impact would be the return of Jiri Kulich.
The Sabres' former first-round pick only played in 12 games this season after it was discovered he had developed a blood clot. Fortunately, the team's medical staff was able to catch it in time, and he has slowly been working his way back.
On Monday, head coach Lindy Ruff said that Kulich will undergo more testing on Tuesday to determine the next steps in his recovery. If the testing goes well, he could potentially rejoin them in the near future.
However, getting these tests done ahead of the trade deadline could shift the Sabres' approach depending on the results. If it seems unlikely that Kulich would return this season, that might create a little more urgency for Jarmo Kekalainen.
Jiri Kulich was expected to have a big role this season for the Buffalo Sabres and has the chance to make an impact down the stretch
Entering the season, Kulich was competing for the center spot on the top line after finishing there last season with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. While Josh Norris was in that spot to start the season, he suffered an injury early, and Kulich was back in that spot.
Through 12 games this year, Kulich had three goals and two assists after registering 24 points in 62 games last season.
The Sabres would be smart to bring him along slowly and he probably will have an extended run with Rochester to get back into game shape. However, if he can return for the last 10 regular-season games, he could have a major impact on this team once they reach the playoffs.
Kulich is a player who opens up plenty of line possibilities for Lindy Ruff and the Sabres. He could play at center and allow the team to move Tage Thompson back to wing.
However, that doesn't seem likely as Thompson has been having a great season playing in the middle of the ice. The Sabres could have Kulich on the wing on any of the lines or be a backup plan if Josh Norris were forced to miss any time due to injuries.
While Jiri Kulich isn't at the same level as a Robert Thomas, when considering what it would cost to acquire him, Kulich's return would be a better option for the Buffalo Sabres down the stretch and into the playoffs.