Jiri Kulich Returns To Game Action After Blood Clot Recovery. The Forward

Kulich Makes Season Debut in Sabres' Preseason Opener at Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Jiri Kulich returned to game action for the first time in nearly a year Monday night, suiting up for the Buffalo Sabres in their preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The Buffalo Sabres opened their four-game preseason schedule with a 4-1 loss Monday at PPG Paints Arena, with Jake Richard scoring Buffalo's only goal on a second-period power play.

Kulich and forward Justin Danforth played their first games in nearly a year, with Kulich's 2025-26 season ending after 13 games because of a blood clot and Danforth's after four because of a broken kneecap. Both faced physical and mental hurdles as their careers hung in the balance before making it back to the ice.

Kulich double-shifted in the second and third periods and led Sabres forwards with 19:39 of ice time.

Path to Recovery

In a game against the Washington Capitals on Nov. 1, 2025, Kulich took just one shift in the third period, but something felt off, and a few days later a CT scan showed he had a blood clot.

Kulich later described the experience, saying, "The last game against Washington, I didn't even know I'm on the ice. I actually felt like a ghost."

Head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters at the time, "It's related to a blood clot that was found... I'm not going to go any further into detail, but pretty serious."

Kulich underwent an operation in March to remove the clot, with his family and girlfriend by his side, removing doubt that his hockey career was over.

Speaking at the Sabres' end-of-season media availability in May, Kulich said, "Now, I'm just excited, working hard again to be on the ice, too... Yeah, I'll be able to play hockey again."

2025-26 Season Cut Short

Kulich underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot that sidelined him for all but 12 games in the 2025-26 season, collecting three goals and five points before being shut down in early November. The absence came after a breakout sophomore campaign in which Kulich established himself as an NHL regular with the Sabres in the 2024-25 season, recording 15 goals and 24 points in 62 games with the club.

Background

The Sabres originally selected Kulich in the first round (No. 28 overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.

The Sabres drafted Kulich with the pick they acquired from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Sam Reinhart.

Buffalo's exhibition schedule continues as the Sabres prepare for the start of the regular season, with the game marking the start of an abbreviated, tightly compacted preseason slate, with Buffalo playing four exhibitions in a span of six days.