Kulikov (upper body) was removed from long-term injured reserve Sunday, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Following a 57-game absence, Kulikov appears to be good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Islanders. The Panthers moved Cole Schwindt (lower body) to injured reserve in a corresponding move. Kulikov had four goals, 13 points, 64 shots on net, 71 blocked shots and 114 hits in 70 appearances during the 2024-25 regular season.

Kulikov (upper body) will be a game-time decision against the Islanders on Sunday, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has missed 57 straight contests after getting hurt in Florida's second game of the 2025-26 season. He will need to be activated from long-term injured reserve to be eligible to return to action. If Kulikov receives the green light to play, he will probably replace Uvis Balinskis (undisclosed) in Sunday's lineup against the Islanders.

Kulikov underwent surgery for his upper-body injury and is expected to be shelved for at least five months, Sean Shapiro of DLLS Sports reports Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's extended absence is another significant injury blow to a Panthers team that is already missing forwards Aleksander Barkov (knee) and Matthew Tkachuk (groin). At this point, the veteran Kulikov could be out of the lineup until mid-March. With Kulikov unavailable for the last two games, Uvis Balinskis has been skating on the third pairing.

Kulikov (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was injured Thursday versus the Flyers and will now miss at least a week. Uvis Balinskis is slated to take Kulikov's place in the lineup initially. A corresponding roster move hasn't been made yet, and it's possible the Panthers will opt not to fill the spot to maintain some flexibility for now.

Kulikov (upper body) won't return to Thursday's game versus the Flyers, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was injured during the second period after getting hit into the boards. If he is forced to miss any time, Uvis Balinskis would enter the lineup. Kulikov's status for Saturday versus the Senators is uncertain.

Kulikov scored a goal on three shots, added five hits, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov snapped an eight-game point drought dating back to his goal in Game 5 of the second round versus the Maple Leafs. The 34-year-old Kulikov has been confined to a third-pairing role, though he's seen plenty of ice with the first two games versus the Oilers going to overtime. The defenseman has two goals, three helpers, 19 shots on net, 73 hits, 17 blocked shots and a plus-3 rating over 19 playoff outings.

Kulikov notched an assist and five hits in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Lightning in Game 1.

EDGE Analysis

This was Kulikov's third game back after he missed 12 contests due to an upper-body injury. The 34-year-old defenseman is once again in a top-four role, though he could see a slight drop in minutes once Aaron Ekblad (suspension) comes back for Saturday's Game 3. Kulikov is a reliable shutdown defender, and he earned 13 points, 114 hits, 71 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating over 70 regular-season appearances.

Kulikov (upper body) will return for Monday's game against the Rangers, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov missed the last 12 games due to an upper-body injury, but he'll be back in action for the Panthers' penultimate game of the regular season. Over 68 appearances this year, he's recorded four goals, nine assists, 110 hits, 70 blocked shots and 38 PIM while averaging 19:17 of ice time.

Kulikov (upper body) will be unavailable versus Buffalo on Saturday, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov participated in Saturday's practice and could return Monday versus the Rangers. He will miss his 12th straight game Saturday. Kulikov has four goals, nine assists, 110 hits and 70 blocked shots in 68 outings this season.

Kulikov (upper body) is slated to return to the lineup later this week, according to Colby Guy of The Palm Beach Post on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday that Kulikov could return April 12 versus Buffalo, which seemingly lines up with Tuesday's report. The 34-year-old defenseman has been out of action since March 16 as a result of his upper-body injury. Kulikov has contributed four goals and 13 points across 68 appearances in 2024-25.