Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich is expected to return to the lineup in the fall of 2026 after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot, the team announced on May 20, 2026. The 22-year-old Czech center missed the end of the 2025-26 season due to the condition.
Kulich, who was selected by the Sabres in the first round (28th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, had 20 goals and 15 assists in 72 games during the 2025-26 season before being sidelined. The surgery was performed in early May, and the team confirmed that the procedure was successful.
General manager Kevyn Adams stated that Kulich is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp in September. The Sabres have not provided further details on the specific cause of the clot, but blood clots in athletes are often treated with anticoagulant medication and surgery if necessary.
