Jiri Kulich Clears Concussion Protocol, Could Return Against Ottawa

Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich has cleared concussion protocol and could return against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, November 4, coach Lindy Ruff said in the club’s Tuesday injury update.

Kulich practiced for the preceding two days after leaving the October 23 session when a puck struck him in the face. He returned as a full participant Monday, November 2. Ruff described him as close, while keeping Wednesday’s participation conditional.

The Sabres also expect Zach Benson to be available against Ottawa. Benson returned to practice Tuesday after missing Monday’s session for maintenance, according to Ruff.

Buffalo’s other returning players remain on different timelines. Goaltender Alex Lyon practiced again as he works back from an upper-body injury suffered during the preseason. Ruff’s Tuesday assessment put Lyon a matter of days away from being game ready.

Defenseman Conor Timmins is also nearing a return from a lower-body injury. He resumed team practice Monday after skating during the road trip. Neither Timmins nor Lyon had appeared this season in the club’s dated update.

Kulich’s possible Wednesday return remains a lineup decision, rather than a confirmed appearance announced by the Sabres.