Buffalo Sabers has so many options for the first-line center – Hockey writer – Buffalo Pedao

Even with this idea in mind, it may feel a little weird that Buffalo Sabers has been struggling to find a true digital center in recent years. Tage Thompson occupied the mantle and had some success in a season or so, but since head coach Lindy Ruff brought him to the wing last season, it seems he won’t be his position. Instead, it took a while (more limited than other seasons) for each candidate to play the top central role throughout the 2024-25 season, and each has its own level of success. Now the real question is, when the Saber finally breaks the playoff drought, which one is best for this job?

Top three candidates

The three players who each spent some time playing roles outside of Thompson were young Jiri Kulich, Josh Norris and Speedster Ryan McLeod. Each of them brought different but valuable skills to the position and had good success. McLeod mostly took over the role in Thompson’s injury or other roster, but when he was there, he wasn’t completely out of place. Most importantly, he finished the regular season with 20 goals and 53 points in his first season.

Then there is Kulich, the “young gun” shooter who manages to stay in the lineup every night, and eventually finds his way to the top line. By the end of the season, he was a reliable confrontation man, a deadly shooter, and his maturity exceeded that of the rookie. His number is respected in 15 goals and 24 points, and has a full season with some top players throughout his season, and he is sure to be the one the league should pay attention to.

Finally, there is Norris. The key piece in the deal that made Dylan comfortable to the Ottawa Senator didn’t play a lot for the Saber, but in his doing so he put forward a goal and assist while also winning a 54% win rate. He was shut down by the team due to the injury, but as he will be completely healthy in the 2025-26 season, Norris is definitely one of the better candidates for the top central position.

Which center is the best choice?

Each of them has the merits to be a top center. McLeod is one of the Saber’s most comprehensive players, as he was a defensive force and was often an offensive threat last season. Kulich scored his best shot in the saber lineup outside Thompson, and with him it’s easy to be a killer one or two boxing combo with him. But if Norris is fully recovered and ready to play without ic, he is the best of both worlds between McLeod and Kulich. As the most balanced player in the trio, he has a technical advantage. His injury history is worrying, though, so he won’t be my best choice in the end.

Strangely, the best option now must be Culich. He had a lot of success when he ended last season with Thompson and they did connect on the ice. Not to mention, he did find his groove and shoot the puck as he was confident about some of the better goalkeepers and defenders in the NHL. There is almost no great savings that can stop him from a few nights, which shows. Summer prepares for this role and expects that he has struggled for it again after playing it will only make him better, and Ruff should be inclined to give him this opportunity.

Where to stay Norris and McLeod?

Assuming Kulich takes over and keeps the first center, this will put Norris and McLeod in a battle for the second-tier role. Norris and McLeod have played wings in the game before, so it is not a problem to assume that one of them can end up as another winger for Kulich and Thompson. That would make the opponent lean towards the second line along with Alex Tuch, while the final top six wingers were picked out in Zach Benson, Jason Zucker and possibly Jack Quinn.

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Although none of these candidates are ideal frontline centers compared to the rest of the league, the reality is that Ruff must work with what he has. At this point, no top center will fall on his free agent field, and the prospect of any top center suddenly becomes so amazing that the chances of them jumping from the Rochester Americans to the major league are slim. What they can use is a repairable group with great potential for collaboration. But Culich is indeed someone to watch because his path is the most exciting.