Prospect Info: C/W Jiri Kulich, 28th Overall, 2022 NHL Draft; Recalled 11/15/2024

[My Cozen Dylan]

I wasn’t joking when I said they should draw a line of every pro player they have under 24 and pick half of them to build around and trade the other half. From Helenius to Cozens. Pick half. Trade the other half for people who will help the half you picked. You aren’t doing any of them any favors the way you are doing it now. Yes, you’ll trade some good young talent that might go on to great things. No, you aren’t helping them do that here surrounded by slightly different versions of themselves. Kulich is in the half I’m keeping. Benson has been there since he was drafted.

I think this puts Ostlund, Rosen, and Cozens at the top of the trade pile.

 

[Ace]

I think this puts Ostlund, Rosen, and Cozens at the top of the trade pile.

 

[Chainshot]

I think this puts Ostlund, Rosen, and Cozens at the top of the trade pile.

Of those, Ostlund is probably of the least value today since he's barely played in Rochester due to an as yet undisclosed UBI. He's just back and hasn't been on for much. Rosen is interesting in that he is way more selfish with shooting when Kulich is not around. He tried really hard to set his friend up during Kulich's time back in Rochester early in the season which is both cool and occasionally frustrating. I would hope they don't think they can shuffle Rosen up to replace Zucker next year - they need to either look at keeping Zucker for another year or another (hopefully effective) veteran winger.

I'm not sure Cozens is replaceable by Kulich at this point. But it's fascinating to have a relatively young trio helping to carry the team unexpectedly, which is oddly familiar to Quinn-Cozens-Peterka a couple years ago.

In the meantime, Kulich looks like he's taken the coaching on how to contest pucks and get into -- and more importantly stay -- in high danger areas. The fly-bys are so few compared to earlier in his pro career. Same with his back pressure pursuit when he's lost the puck. For a kid who is only 20, it's impressive to see his growth.

 

[TageGod]

I think this puts Ostlund, Rosen, and Cozens at the top of the trade pile.

Or, as a smart team trying to make the playoffs, sells Kulich at top value toward an impact player. Gotta make roster space and the team is young. Ostlund, like Savoie, is not selling now at peak value.

 

[TheMistyStranger]

Or, as a smart team trying to make the playoffs, sells Kulich at top value toward an impact player. Gotta make roster space and the team is young. Ostlund, like Savoie, is not selling now at peak value.

Kulich is actively helping Buffalo win games.

 

[slip]

Kulich is actively helping Buffalo win games.

I'd be far more inclined to move Peterka using the sell high logic.

 

[Beerz]

Or, as a smart team trying to make the playoffs, sells Kulich at top value toward an impact player. Gotta make roster space and the team is young. Ostlund, like Savoie, is not selling now at peak value.

What makes you think this is Kulichs top value? Haha ... that is silly.

 

[TheMistyStranger]

I'd be far more inclined to move Peterka using the sell high logic.

One of Power/Byram is easily my top choice

 

[Der Jaeger]

I think this puts Ostlund, Rosen, and Cozens at the top of the trade pile.

Of those, Ostlund is probably of the least value today since he's barely played in Rochester due to an as yet undisclosed UBI. He's just back and hasn't been on for much. Rosen is interesting in that he is way more selfish with shooting when Kulich is not around. He tried really hard to set his friend up during Kulich's time back in Rochester early in the season which is both cool and occasionally frustrating. I would hope they don't think they can shuffle Rosen up to replace Zucker next year - they need to either look at keeping Zucker for another year or another (hopefully effective) veteran winger.

I'm not sure Cozens is replaceable by Kulich at this point. But it's fascinating to have a relatively young trio helping to carry the team unexpectedly, which is oddly familiar to Quinn-Cozens-Peterka a couple years ago.

In the meantime, Kulich looks like he's taken the coaching on how to contest pucks and get into -- and more importantly stay -- in high danger areas. The fly-bys are so few compared to earlier in his pro career. Same with his back pressure pursuit when he's lost the puck. For a kid who is only 20, it's impressive to see his growth.

There's no way Adams should be moving centers with the state of the NHL roster. For me, until he's fixed it, Kulich, Ostlund, and Helenius are off-limits.

I like Kulich's simple game. He's the opposite of the Sabres who want to dangle around all game. I do think he's fine at center, but he might explode from the wing. I think he's got some Pastrnak to his game.

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

One of Power/Byram is easily my top choice

One of Power/Byram and one of Peterka/Cozens. Those four will garner much more than any players currently in Rochester.

 

[toddkaz]

Or, as a smart team trying to make the playoffs, sells Kulich at top value toward an impact player. Gotta make roster space and the team is young. Ostlund, like Savoie, is not selling now at peak value.

Kulich will be worth more when he scores 30 goals next year.

For me Kulich is nearly untouchable. He is a prospect you trade for not trade away.

 

[Ace]

Kulich’s top value isn’t after 15 strong games where he isn’t even featured on the power play let alone a top six scoring role. All he does is succeed at every level he plays at. You want to get vets in here fine…there are two dozen other people to trade for them.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

There's no way Adams should be moving centers with the state of the NHL roster. For me, until he's fixed it, Kulich, Ostlund, and Helenius are off-limits.

I like Kulich's simple game. He's the opposite of the Sabres who want to dangle around all game. I do think he's fine at center, but he might explode from the wing. I think he's got some Pastrnak to his game.

My thing with Ostlund is - when is he actually going to make an impact in the NHL? 2027? I'd rather have impact players now.

Also there's a good chance we can draft yet another center in June.

 

[Der Jaeger]

My thing with Ostlund is - when is he actually going to make an impact in the NHL? 2027? I'd rather have impact players now.

Also there's a good chance we can draft yet another center in June.

I get what you are saying. But the team has Rosen as a potential trade chip with higher value that Ostlund.

Ostlund is a center with high hockey IQ, and this is his first season in the AHL. Which has been injury filled. I’d rather hold onto him as opposed to selling low.

Rosen had achieved something in the AHL and his value is likely higher.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

I get what you are saying. But the team has Rosen as a potential trade chip with higher value that Ostlund.

Ostlund is a center with high hockey IQ, and this is his first season in the AHL. Which has been injury filled. I’d rather hold onto him as opposed to selling low.

Rosen had achieved something in the AHL and his value is likely higher.

I think they're both best used as trade pieces. Move our chips to the middle and actually be bold in trying to win.

 

[Chainshot]

There's no way Adams should be moving centers with the state of the NHL roster. For me, until he's fixed it, Kulich, Ostlund, and Helenius are off-limits.

I like Kulich's simple game. He's the opposite of the Sabres who want to dangle around all game. I do think he's fine at center, but he might explode from the wing. I think he's got some Pastrnak to his game.

Yeah, Ostland is basically still unknown as a NA pro with how much time he's missed thus far. Helenius has been strong IMO, but Ostand has to have some time to catch up.

I love that Rosen has been productive in a lot of areas without Kulich. I would love it if he built value independent of Kulich or anyone else for that matter. It's why moving up the AHL scoring list while keying one of the best teams in the league is important - it's easier to look at what he's doing and find value.