Fantasy Hockey Feature: Jiří Kulich making good on his top line opportunity

Jiri Kulich may have arrived.
At time of writing, Buffalo Sabres rookie forward Jiří Kulich has nine even-strength goals in 35 games played – second-most among all rookies behind only Macklin Celebrini’s 11 goals. It isn’t just thanks to wildly high shooting percentage, either, as his 14.1% conversion rate at even strength is among the 76th percentile among regular forwards.
Given his ascension this season, it’s worth looking at his path as a prospect, what he’s done as a rookie, and what his future may hold for fantasy managers.
Kulich was drafted near the end of the first round (28th overall) in 2022, and that seemed about right for him: Bob McKenzie at TSN had him 18th overall, Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman of The Athletic ranked him 22nd and 20th, respectively, Ryan Kennedy of The Ho