Dmitry Kulikov, Panthers Defenseman, Out with Long-Term Injury
Dmitry Kulikov, defenseman for the Florida Panthers, joins the team’s long-term injury list, the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Kulikov will be out of action for five months after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a labrum tear, an injury suffered in the 2-1 victory against the Flyers.
The absence of Kulikov for five months represents a new challenge for the Panthers in their attempt to achieve a historic three-peat, something that hasn’t been seen since the New York Islanders in the 1980s.
This absence adds to that of other key players, including captain Aleksander Barkov, who will be out for seven to nine months due to a knee injury. Matthew Tkachuk is also out, with a muscle injury that will keep him off the field until December.
Kulikov’s return could take place in mid-March, as long as his recovery progresses as planned.
Kulikov, who was selected by the Panthers in 2009, returned to the team at the start of the 2023-24 season. During his time on the team, he has proven to be a valuable player, contributing both offensively and defensively.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Kulikov ranks third in shorthanded minutes played and fourth in total 5-on-5 minutes played since the 2023-24 season.
Despite the losses, the Panthers still have a solid defensive group, with Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling leading the first pair, and Seth Jones and Niko Mikkola in the second. Uvis Balinskis and Jeff Petry complete the team’s defensive options.
