Kulich to Miss Significant Time, Sabres’ Injury Woes Deepen

UPDATE: Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich will be sidelined for a significant period due to a blood clot, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed on October 30, 2023. Ruff described the situation as “pretty serious,” marking another setback for a team already grappling with a lengthy list of injuries.

The Sabres face mounting challenges as Zach Benson has also been struggling with injuries this season. After suffering a facial injury during practice on October 8, Benson managed to return briefly, scoring eight points in just eight games. However, he was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury on October 31. Ruff is unsure about Benson’s availability for the upcoming three-game road trip, stating, “We’re going to discuss whether it’s better for him to come or stay back and keep undergoing treatment.”

Additionally, forward Jason Zucker remains out with a “viral, flu-like” illness since November 1 and will not join the team on this trip. Ruff expressed concern, noting, “He hasn’t been able to shake it,” after Zucker underwent extensive testing.

The Sabres are also coping with the absence of captain Rasmus Dahlin, who took a leave of absence last week to address a personal matter. Dahlin is in his native Sweden supporting his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who is recovering from major heart failure and awaiting a transplant. There is currently no timetable for Dahlin’s return.

Compounding the Sabres’ difficulties, top-line center Josh Norris has been out since October 9, following an upper-body injury sustained in the season opener. Free agent acquisition Justin Danforth is also sidelined with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot on October 15.

In response to these challenges, the Sabres have turned to call-ups from the Rochester Americans to fill gaps in their roster. Skilled forwards Isak Rosén and Noah Östlund have been plugged into scoring roles, showing promise with a few points in recent games. Meanwhile, Josh Dunne has contributed with a goal in nine games, working hard on the fourth line.

Despite their efforts, the Sabres currently sit in last place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 5-6-4, having picked up points in nine of their last twelve games. The team is set to embark on a challenging road trip to Utah, Colorado, and Detroit this week before returning home for a three-game homestand.

Fans and analysts alike are left wondering how these injuries will affect the Sabres’ season moving forward. As the team navigates this turbulent period, the urgency for recovery and reinforcement is palpable. Continued updates on player statuses and team performance will be closely monitored as the Sabres aim to regroup and regain their footing in the competitive Eastern Conference.