Kulikov (upper body) will be reevaluate prior to Friday's matchup with St. Louis, Paul Friesen of Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Depending on who else is available on the blue line -- both Josh Morrissey (lower body) and Dustin Byfuglien (concussion) are possibilities to play -- Kulikov could still find himself watching from the press box as a healthy scratch. Given his minimal contributions in the offensive zone, the 27-year-old is unlikely to offer more than low-end value in most formats.

Kulikov was placed on injured reserve per the NHL's media site.

EDGE Analysis

On the season, Kulikov has played in just six games recording an assist and playing to an even rating.

Kulikov (upper body) is expected to miss at least a month, per Jets head coach Paul Maurice, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maurice is still mulling over who to call up from AHL Manitoba as a replacement for the oft-injured Kulikov, but prospect Sami Niku seems to be a logical candidate for the job since the 22-year-old spent four seasons honing his craft in Finland before joining the AHL's Moose and enjoying a cup of coffee with the Jets last year.

Kulikov won't return to Friday's game versus the Avalanche due to an upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov hasn't been a nightly player due to healthy scratches, and he has just one assist through five games. His next chance to play will be Sunday against the Devils. If he can't go, Joe Morrow will slot back in and the Jets will likely dip into AHL Manitoba for depth.

Kulikov made his season debut Sunday, logging 12:33 of ice time in a 3-1 home win over the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov filled in for Dustin Byfuglien, who missed the game due to an upper-body injury. A back injury had cut into valuable training camp action for the former, so it wasn't all that surprising that Kulikov saw about seven fewer minutes than his career average in this one.

Kulikov (back) will be active for Friday's preseason home clash with the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has sprinkled the box score to the tune of 33 goals and 121 assists over nine NHL seasons between the Panthers, Sabres and Jets, respectively. He's averaged 20;23 of ice time in his career, but the Jets only deployed him for 17:04 in 2017-18. The emergence of Sami Niku should keep Kulikov's minutes at bay.

Kulikov (back) took the ice Thursday with the non-game group, Sara Orlesky of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the news means Kulikov won't be in action against the Oilers on Thursday, his participation in practice could clear the way for him to suit up versus Calgary on Friday or Edmonton on Sunday. If he can stay healthy, the blueliner should get back to being a 20-plus minute per game player this season.

Kulikov underwent back surgery shortly after the Western Conference finals and is expected to be ready for training camp, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was limited to 62 games due to his back injury in 2017-18, so the Jets will hope the surgery he underwent in May will help him enjoy a far healthier campaign in 2018-19. The 27-year-old blueliner will remain a solid third-pairing option for Winnipeg next season, but his lack of offensive upside will keep him off the radar in most fantasy formats.

Kulikov was limited to a mere 62 games this season due to injuries.

EDGE Analysis

Not only did Kulikov miss the 28 contests as a result of a back injury, it also caused him to be a healthy scratch for three outings, before returning for the final game of the year. Where the Russian fits into the Jets' lineup next season likely won't be decided until closer to training camp, but if it becomes clear he will be watching more than playing, the club will almost certainly look at moving him due to his $4.3 million cap hit -- a high price to pay for a fringe defenseman.

Kulikov (back) is eligible to return to the lineup, Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Having Kulikov healthy is certainly a positive for the Jets, but fantasy owners are unlikely to benefit given the quality of depth ahead of him on the blue line. Unless somebody else gets injured, the Russian figures to spend the remainder of the postseason watching from the press box. Ben Chiarot would be the most likely candidate to get bounced in favor of the 26-year-old.