Kulikov (back) is not expected to be in the lineup against Nashville for Monday's Game 6 clash, per Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov hasn't played since March 8 when he was injured (a stretch of 25 games). With how well Ben Chiarot has been performing defensively -- he has 35 hits and 19 blocks in the postseason -- the 26-year-old Kulikov might not have a spot in the lineup even if he was healthy.

Kulikov (back) took the ice for Tuesday's game-day skate in a non-contact jersey, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Kulikov won't be in action for Game 3 versus Nashville on Tuesday, the fact that he is back on the ice is a step in the right direction. Coach Paul Maurice has not provided a specific timeline for when the blueliner might be ready to suit up, but even once cleared, the bench boss could opt to keep Kulikov on the sidelines in favor of Ben Chiarot.

Kulikov (back) has decided not to undergo surgery for his back problem, Sara Orlesky of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was reportedly ready to go under the knife, but instead will pursue other treatment options. The defenseman will be reevaluated in four weeks, which could open the door for him returning during the postseason -- although whether he is cleared in a month's time remains to be scene. In the meantime, Joe Morrow and Tucker Poolman will likely compete for minutes until Jacob Trouba (concussion) is cleared to return.

Kulikov will undergo surgery on his back that will cost him the next eight weeks, Sean Reynolds of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's issue is reportedly a recurrence of an injury that caused him problems when he was with the Sabres. The Jets will have to plan for life without the 27-year-old blueliner for the foreseeable future, though the team is fortunate to have some capable bodies to fill in. The only way Kulikov retakes the ice for Winnipeg this season is if the team makes a deep playoff run, but he can be safely discarded in most season-long fantasy formats.

Kulikov (upper body) remains without a time frame to return to action, Sara Orlesky of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

It seems inflammation in Kulikov's affected area is making it hard for the Jets medical staff to determine the severity of his injury. Prior to getting hurt, the defenseman was bogged down in a 13-game pointless streak and will likely miss the 20-point mark for the third consecutive season.

Kulikov (upper body) travelled back to Winnipeg to undergo further evaluations, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news effectively rules Kulikov out for the Jets' upcoming two road outings. The team is expected to announce more information regarding the blueliner's status in the coming days, but it certainly doesn't bode well that he was sent back home. Tucker Poolman will slot into the lineup in the Russian's stead -- at least until Toby Enstrom (undisclosed) or Jacob Trouba (ankle) is cleared to play.

Kulikov (upper body) will not suit up against Philadelphia on Saturday, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was classified as day-to-day by coach Paul Maurice following Thursday's matchup with New Jersey, but won't be ready in time for the Flyers. The blueliner is stuck in a 13-game pointless streak, so few fantasy owners are likely to be affected by his absence. In the meantime, Joe Morrow will rejoin the lineup to fill in for Kulikov. Don't be surprised to see Tucker Poolman make his way back up from AHL Manitoba in order to provide some additional defensive depth.

Per coach Paul Maurice, Kulikov is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's day-to-day tag suggests his injury likely isn't overly serious, so it's possible he'll be able to recover in time for Saturday's matchup with the Flyers. However, if he's unable to go, Joe Morrow will replace him the lineup against Philadelphia.

Kulikov (upper body) will return to the lineup for Saturday's matchup with Colorado, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the news does rule Kulikov out versus Vegas on Thursday, fantasy owners will no doubt be happy to know that he will be back Saturday. The Russian will likely bump Tucker Poolman from the lineup, although Ben Chiarot's spot is by no means guaranteed.

According to coach Paul Maurice, Kulikov (upper body) is "possible" for Thursday's matchup with Vegas, effectively ruling him out against the Lightning on Tuesday, Mitchell Clinton of JetsTV reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov took part in Tuesday's game-day skate sporting a regular jersey -- having ditched the non-contact sweater -- per Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun. Taking contact is a good sign the blueliner will be available soon, as is the team's decision not to recall any additional defensive options. With Jacob Trouba (ankle) sidelined long term, the 26-year-old Kulikov will likely see an uptick in minutes once given the all-clear.