Jiri Kulich's job is safe, for now.
The Buffalo Sabres' disappointing former first-round pick was at risk of being scratched for Wednesday night's game.
In the end, the Sabres will play Kulich.
"After a follow-up question, Lindy Ruff said Jiri Kulich will play tonight," wrote beat reporter Matthew Fairburn on X. "He wants to see how he responds. He also said this isn't about Kulich only. He's met with a lot of guys he feels the Sabres need more from."
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Kulich is a center, still just 21 years old, who went 28th overall in 2022.
This season, Kulich has played three games, not notched a point and been a minus-4.
Last season, Kulich had 15 goals and nine assists (24 points) in 62 games, his first real foray into the NHL after just one game the season prior.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff isn't happy with Kulich's play so far.
"It hasn't been good enough," Ruff told reporters, via The Buffalo News. "... He needs to be a better player for us."
The Sabres play Wednesday night at home against the Ottawa Senators.
Buffalo is off to a brutal start to the season. The Sabres have played three games, scored two goals and surrendered 10. That adds up to three losses and the worst goal differential on this young NHL season.
It's not just Kulich that the Sabres need to turn it around. It's pretty much the whole team.
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