Dmitry Kulikov, Key Panthers Defenseman, on Injured Reserve
The experienced defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, a key player in the Florida Panthers’ defense during their recent Stanley Cup victories, has been placed on the injured reserve list and will be out of action indefinitely.
Kulikov, 34, suffered the injury in the second game of the season, a match in which the Panthers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Thursday. During the game, Kulikov participated in 11 shifts, accumulating a playing time of 7 minutes and 47 seconds.
The injury occurred after a collision with Flyers forward Bobby Brink in a shift in the second period. Kulikov left the ice holding his right wrist.
The move to the injured list was made official on Friday. On Saturday, after the morning practice prior to his team’s 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, coach Paul Maurice informed the media that the veteran might require surgery.
The Panthers, who have had a promising start to the season with a 3-0-0 record, are already without their captain, Aleksander Barkov, who underwent knee surgery last month, and without forward Matthew Tkachuk, who will be out until at least December due to a lower body injury.
This is Kulikov’s second stage with the Panthers. Last season, he participated in 70 games, scoring four goals and adding 13 points.
