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Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to miss 5 months due to shoulder surgery

David Dwork, Digital Journalist

Published: 

Tags: Panthers, NHL, Florida Panthers

Lightning Panthers Hockey Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) stands on the ice during the first period of an NHL hockey preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) (Lynne Sladky/AP)

DETROIT — Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov is going to miss several months due to an injury.

On Wednesday, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice announced that Kulikov would miss five months due to a shoulder injury.

Maurice said Kulikov had surgery to repair a labral tear of his shoulder.

The injury was suffered during Florida’s second game of the season, last Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Defenseman Uvis Balinskis has slotted into the Panthers lineup and will take Kulikov’s spot for the time being.

Florida is currently in the middle of a five-game road trip.

They face the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night.

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About The Author
David Dwork

David Dwork

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.