BUFFALO – Sabres center Jiri Kulich, who hasn’t played since Nov. 1 because of blood clot issues, will most likely miss the rest of the season.
Kulich, 21, recently underwent testing to determine if he could resume a higher fitness level.
“He’s continuing to get treatment,” Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday in KeyBank Center. “Our main concern, obviously, is his well-being and long-term health, and second, when he can be back as a hockey player. But he’s progressing but most likely he’ll be out for the season.”
Kekalainen said doctors are hopeful Kulich’s problem will resolve before next season. In the meantime, the Czech can continue skating on his own in full gear.
“He’s not able to have full contact and play hockey,” Kekalainen said. “He’s doing his conditioning and preparing for whenever he’s ready to play.”
Kulich has scored three goals and five points in 12 games this season. He enjoyed a strong rookie campaign in 2024-25, registering 15 goals and 24 points in 62 contests.
The Sabres drafted him 28th overall in 2022.
In other injury news, Kekalainen said wingers Justin Danforth, 32, and Jordan Greenway, 29, “are both progressing slowly.”
“There is a chance they could be back this season,” he said. “There’s no guarantee, but we’re hopeful.”
Danforth broke his kneecap Oct. 15.
Greenway, who has battled pain after undergoing two hernia surgeries, recently rejoined the Sabres after receiving treatment away from the team.
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Kekalainen said on Friday the Sabres sent rookie defenseman Zach Metsa to the Rochester Americans in a paper transaction that would make him eligible to play in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Metsa, 27, is Rochester’s captain.
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The NHL on Friday suspended Pittsburgh star Evgeni Malkin five games for slashing Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin in the neck area in Thursday’s 5-1 win over the Penguins.