Kulikov (upper body) is healthy enough to play versus Toronto on Wednesday, Paul Friesen of Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Paul Maurice told reporters that Kulikov is an option if needed Wednesday, but didn't go so far as to confirm he would be in the lineup. The Jets could opt to continue utilizing youngster Sami Niku rather than going back to Kulikov. The Russian should be officially activated off injured reserve once Maurice decides to put him back in the lineup.

Kulikov (upper body) will join the Jets for their four-game road trip, Murat Ares of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

While coach Paul Maurice wouldn't go so far as to confirm Kulikov would play, the fact that he is on the trip is certainly a step in the right direction. Considering he has only just resumed practicing with the club, Saturday's matchup with Minnesota would seem a bit premature. Once Kulikov is cleared for action, Carl Dahlstrom figures to be the odd man out on the blue line.

Kulikov (upper body) was designated for injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Kulikov is expected to miss 6-8 weeks due to his upper-body injury, his placement on injured reserve was only a matter of time. With the extra roster spot, the Jets claimed center Nick Shore off waivers from the Maple Leafs. In Kulikov's stead, Luca Sbisa (undisclosed) figured to see the most significant uptick in ice time, but is now dealing with an injury of his own.

Coach Paul Maurice said Kulikov (upper body) will be out until the All-Star break, which starts Jan. 23, Mitchell Clinton of JetsTV reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury woes on Winnipeg's blue line continue. Kulikov is expected to be placed on IR and potentially even long-term IR to afford the team relief for his $4.33 million AAV contract. The 29-year-old has recorded four points, 40 hits and 38 blocked shots over 25 games.

Kulikov (upper body) will remain out of the lineup Tuesday against the Stars, Jets TV reporter Mitchell Clinton reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's next chance to make his return will come Thursday against these same Stars, but he may still not be ready by that point. His absence won't be felt much in fantasy circles, as Kulikov has just four points in 25 games this season.

Kulikov (upper body) will miss Saturday's contest versus the Kings, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Russian blueliner was hurt in the Jets' last game, one that saw Kulikov log less than four minutes of ice time before leaving. He did not return and will sit Saturday, in Los Angeles. Kulikov's next chance to play will come Tuesday, at home versus Dallas.

Kulikov (upper body) won't return to Friday's game in Anaheim, Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov got injured in the first period after playing just 3:59, leaving the Jets with only five defensemen for the rest of the contest. He'll be hard-pressed to make a quick turnaround and suit up Saturday against the Kings, though more definitive word on his status should surface prior to that game.

Kulikov is pointless in six straight games, dating back to Oct. 13 versus Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov is also bogged down in a 10-game goal drought. While the blueliner isn't expected to be an offensive force for the Jets, the team was likely hoping for more when it signed him in 2017. The last time the Russian topped the 20-point mark was in 2014-15 when he was with the Panthers.

Kulikov (personal) is expected to return to the lineup for Thursday's game against the Wild, Ken Wiebe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was granted a leave of absence to be present for the birth of his child, but he'll be back in action against Minnesota. The 28-year-old will likely slot into a top-four role for the Jets, but he has virtually zero offensive upside, so he can be ignored in all but the deepest of fantasy formats.

Kulikov is dealing with a personal matter and won't be in the lineup against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Ken Wiebe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Kulikov is away, the club recalled Sami Niku from the minors, though it will likely be Anthony Bitetto and Carl Dahlstrom to slot into the lineup. The Jets' blue line is certainly depleted, though Josh Morrissey (upper body) has been given the all-clear to return to action. Once back with the team, Kulikov should continue eating up big minutes, though is unlikely to see time on the power play, giving him low-end fantasy value.