Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff attempted to send a clear message to Jiri Kulich by placing him on the “fifth line” during a recent practice. That spot is typically reserved for players expected to be scratched from the lineup, but in Kulich’s case, it was more of a motivational tactic than a punishment.
The 21-year-old center responded by scoring an empty-netter in Wednesday night’s 8-4 win over the Ottawa Senators. However, despite getting on the scoresheet, his impact at even strength was still underwhelming. It’s a concerning pattern for a young forward the Sabres were counting on to take a major leap this season.
With Buffalo starting the year 1-3-0 and already having a thin margin for error, the pressure is mounting. If the team’s issues persist, lineup adjustments appear inevitable. The return of injured players will also influence how the roster is shaped moving forward.
Buffalo Sabres who could be scratched soon if their performance doesn’t improve
Jiri Kulich
Kulich showed flashes of promise as a rookie last season, but his overall production remained underwhelming. He finished the year with 24 points (15 goals, nine assists) in 62 games, benefiting from extended top-six ice time down the stretch.
However, his slow start to the current season is raising red flags. Aside from his recent empty-net goal, he has yet to register a point, is winning just 36.2% of his faceoffs, and sits at minus-six. His biggest issue has been failing to get into high-danger scoring areas, severely limiting his offensive impact.
The situation is further complicated by the injury to top-line center Josh Norris, who will be sidelined for at least eight weeks. Normally, Kulich would be a prime candidate to fill that role long-term, but his struggles forced the Sabres to move Tage Thompson back to center instead.
If the 2022 first-round pick doesn’t elevate his game soon, Buffalo may have no choice but to call up another young center—Konsta Helenius or Noah Ostlund—to inject life into the offense.
Beck Malenstyn
When general manager Kevyn Adams acquired Malenstyn, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, and Sam Lafferty last season, it was part of a plan to rebuild the fourth line. Since then, Aube-Kubel and Lafferty have already moved on, and Malenstyn may not be far behind.
The 27-year-old winger has managed only 10 points in 80 games with Buffalo. While he has delivered 201 hits, which factored into his acquisition, he has provided little else in terms of play-driving, offense, or overall impact.
The Sabres have multiple alternatives for fourth-line roles, including Justin Danforth, Josh Dunne, Tyson Kozak, and the soon-to-return Jordan Greenway. With roster decisions looming, Malenstyn hasn’t done enough to secure his spot.
Considering Buffalo gave up a second-round pick to get him, his lack of production stands as one of Adams’ most questionable moves as GM.
Jacob Bryson
Bryson is entering what feels like his 30th season with Buffalo—though it’s actually his sixth—but he still hasn’t proven he can handle a permanent NHL role. As the team’s No. 7 defenseman, he continues to struggle when given ice time.
The first goal the Sabres allowed this season highlighted a familiar issue: Bryson was overpowered in front of the net by Alexis Lafreniere. At just 5’9″ and 177 pounds, his size has consistently made him vulnerable in defensive battles.
Buffalo has already started shaking up the blue line by calling up Zach Metsa and sending Ryan Johnson to the AHL. More changes are expected once Mattias Samuelsson and Michael Kesselring return from injuries.
Unless Bryson shows major improvement in the next few games, he is poised to become the odd man out.