Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov faces a significant setback. He will miss five months following surgery for an upper-body injury. The team’s head coach, Paul Maurice, confirmed the news on Wednesday.
Kulikov’s Injury Details
The injury occurred during the Panthers’ second game of the season. This match took place against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 9, where Florida secured a 2-1 victory. Kulikov’s absence adds to the team’s woes, as captain Aleksander Barkov and forward Matthew Tkachuk are also sidelined.
- Aleksander Barkov: Expected recovery time is 7-9 months due to a knee injury.
- Matthew Tkachuk: Out with a torn adductor muscle; return not expected until December.
- Tomas Nosek: Currently recovering from a long-term injury.
Replacement and Team Adjustments
In response to Kulikov’s injury, Uvis Balinskis stepped into the lineup during a recent game against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Additionally, Tobias Bjornfot was recalled from the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers.
Coach Maurice praised Kulikov’s unique contributions to the team, highlighting his skills as a penalty killer and physical presence on defense. He expressed confidence in Balinskis’ ability to fill the gap:
“Uvis played 74 games for us last year, so we’ll put in a veteran player who knows our system,” Maurice stated.
Kulikov’s Career Highlights
Dmitry Kulikov, who will turn 35 on October 29, has an extensive NHL career. He was selected in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft by the Panthers. Over his career, he has played a total of 1,020 regular-season games, accumulating:
| Stat | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 247 (50 goals, 197 assists) | 15 (3 goals, 12 assists) |
Last season, Kulikov contributed 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 70 games. He also played a key role during the playoffs, registering five points (two goals, three assists) in 23 games, helping the Panthers secure their second consecutive championship.
As the Panthers navigate this challenging period, the focus will be on teamwork and resilience, with hopes for Kulikov and the injured players to return stronger.
