Dmitry Kulikov on the indefinite injured list
Experienced defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, a key piece in the Florida Panthers’ defense in their recent Stanley Cup title victories, will be out indefinitely after being placed on the injured reserve list.
Kulikov, 34, suffered the injury in the Panthers’ second game of the season, a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. In that game, he participated in 11 shifts, accumulating a playing time of 7:47. After a collision with Flyers forward Bobby Brink in the second period, he left the ice holding his right wrist.
On Friday, the Panthers officially placed him on the injured list. On Saturday, before the morning skate prior to their team’s 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, coach Paul Maurice informed reporters that the veteran might need surgery.
The Panthers, who have started the season with a 3-0-0 record, were already without their captain Aleksander Barkov, who underwent knee surgery last month, and forward Matthew Tkachuk, who will be out at least until December due to a lower-body injury.
This is Kulikov’s second stint with the Panthers. Last season, he played in 70 games, scoring four goals and accumulating 13 points.
