JIRI KULICH #20

Notes accurate as of Sept. 1, 2026

PRONUNCIATION:  koo-LEEK, YIH-ree

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2026-27 (Entry level)

CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Selected by Buffalo in the first round (28th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:  

  • Led all Rochester Americans (AHL) skaters in goals in 2022-23 (24) and 2023-24 (27) and was named to the AHL Top Prospects Team in both seasons.
  • Posted 45 points (27+18) with Rochester in 2023-24 and was selected to participate in the AHL All-Star Game.
  • Made his NHL debut on Nov. 25, 2023 at New Jersey.
  • Scored his first NHL goal on Oct. 17, 2024 at Columbus.
  • Recorded his first NHL assist on Dec. 20, 2024 vs. Toronto.
  • Recorded 15 goals in his rookie campaign in 2024-25 and became the second Sabres rookie all-time to register 15 or more goals without recording a power-play goal (Steve Atkinson, 1970-71, 20 goals).
  • Ranked fifth among all NHL rookies in even-strength goals (15) and goals per 60 (1.09) in 2024-25 (min. 25 games played).
  • Appeared in 12 games and posted five points (3+2) with Buffalo in 2025-26 and missed the remainder of the season due to blood clots.

AMATEUR HIGHLIGHTS:  

  • Recorded 4 points (2+2) in 2 games with Karlovy Vary U20 during the 2021–22 season and added 5 points (4+1) in 4 playoff games.
  • Appeared in 49 games with Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga in 2021–22, registering 14 points (9+5). Recorded the most points by a junior player in Extraliga and the most points by a U18 skater. Added one assist in three playoff games.

INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:  

  • Represented Czechia at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, posting 8 points (2+6) in 7 games.
  • Served as an alternate captain for Czechia at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and recorded 9 points (7+2) in 7 games en route to winning a silver medal.
  • Represented Czechia as the team’s captain at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he led the team with 12 points (6+6) in 7 games and earned a bronze medal.

NHL FIRSTS

Game: 11/25/23 at NJD

Goal: 10/17/24 at CBJ

Assist: 12/20/24 vs TOR

AWARDS & HONORS

Professional:

2022-23 AHL Top Prospects Team

2023-24 AHL All-Star Game (North)

2023-24 AHL Top Prospects Team

International:

2023 IIHF World Junior Championship All-Star Team

2023 IIHF World Junior Championship Silver Medal

2024 IIHF World Junior Championship All-Star Team

2024 IIHF World Junior Championship Bronze Medal

2024 IIHF World Junior Championship Most Points (12)

2024 IIHF World Junior Championship Top 3 Player on Team

Amateur:

N/A