**Sabres’ Kulich Out Indefinitely as Injury Crisis Deepens**

UPDATE: Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich will miss a significant amount of time due to a blood clot, as announced by head coach Lindy Ruff on Monday. This urgent development adds to the Sabres’ growing list of injuries and absences, complicating their season as they struggle to stay competitive in the Atlantic Division.

Ruff described Kulich’s condition as “pretty serious,” but did not provide further details. The Sabres are already grappling with multiple injuries, including that of forward Zach Benson, who has had an inconsistent presence this season. Benson was hospitalized on October 8 after suffering a puck injury to the face during practice but managed to return for eight games, scoring eight points. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury on October 31. Ruff has indicated that a decision on Benson’s participation in the team’s upcoming three-game road trip will be made soon, weighing whether it’s best for him to travel or continue treatment.

Additionally, forward Jason Zucker has been sidelined since November 1 due to a “viral, flu-like” illness and will not join the team on their road trip. “He hasn’t been able to shake it,” Ruff stated, highlighting the severity of Zucker’s condition as he undergoes extensive testing.

In a personal matter, captain Rasmus Dahlin has taken a leave of absence to support his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, who is recovering from major heart failure and requires a transplant. Dahlin has returned to his native Sweden, and no timetable has been set for his return.

The Sabres are also missing their top-line center, Josh Norris, who has been out since October 9 due to an upper-body injury. New addition Justin Danforth is also sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained after blocking a shot on October 15.

In light of these setbacks, the Sabres have turned to call-ups from the Rochester Americans to fill the gaps. Ruff has utilized skilled forwards Isak Rosén and Noah Östlund in scoring roles, achieving varying degrees of success. Each has contributed points in recent games, while forward Josh Dunne has managed to add a goal in his nine appearances.

Despite showing potential by earning points in nine of their last twelve games, the Sabres currently sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 5-6-4. The team is scheduled to travel to Utah, Colorado, and Detroit this week before returning home for a three-game homestand.

As injuries continue to plague the Sabres, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how the team will adapt and respond in this critical phase of their season. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.