The Ex-Sabre Files – Metropolitan Division Update; Kulich Nearing Return

The Buffalo Sabres have several former players spread throughout the NHL. Some are doing quite well, while others are struggling.

Here is an update on former Sabres playing for teams in the Metro Division:

Eric Robinson (Carolina) – The speedy 29-year-old winger was acquired by Buffalo in December 2023 and had two goals in 40 games for the Sabres, playing mostly a fourth-line role under Don Granato. Signed by Carolina to a one-year deal last summer, Robinson has nearly reached career highs in half a season with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 45 games.

Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia) – The second-highest-scoring defenseman in Sabres history had a difficult 2024 season, missing over 50 games due to a ruptured tricep. The 30-year-old has bounced back this season, playing all 46 games, and his name has been mentioned in trade rumors.

The Sabres take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday before heading out on a four-game Western road swing starting in Seattle on Monday. Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that injured rookie Jiri Kulich is close to returning and should be able to practice this weekend before Buffalo takes on the Kraken.

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

And right now, it's like the SS Lindy is heading right for the iceberg again. I don't know what's going on with this team. Well, I mean, the, the, the exasperation from Lindy after the game yesterday, I mean, because okay, they have the 13 game winless skid and you're not going to diminish that because that destroyed their season. But after that, they've gone five, two, and one in the last eight games and played markedly better. But the problem is, is they're not going anywhere. They don't, they were seven or eight points out of a playoff spot at that point. After five, two, and one, they were still seven or eight points. They're not making the playoffs. I'm sorry. I had, I'd love to have a playoff. And they may have a run where they get closer, but they're just too inconsistent. They just have too many gaps in their game.