Kulikov (back) will return to Buffalo's lineup for Tuesday's game against the Predators, John Vogl of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has been a pretty big disappointment for the Sabres this season, as he's already missed 26 games due to injury, and has only notched a single assist in the 20 games he's appeared in while posting an ugly minus-10 rating over that span. Kulikov logs a ton of minutes when healthy, but his lack of offensive upside keeps him off the fantasy radar in the majority of fantasy formats.

Head coach Dan Bylsma said there's 'a very good chance' Kulikov (back) will play during the Sabres' three-game road trip, WGR 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov practiced Monday but his status for Tuesday's game against Nashville is still questionable and remains a game-time decision. He's missed the past 12 games, the second time he's missed a big chunk of the season, and has appeared in just 20 games so far, registering one assist and a minus-10 rating. Acquired from Florida in a trade and brought in to stabilize a young blue line, the 25-year-old has made a minimal impact with the Sabres so far due to his limited appearances and doesn't offer much offensive upside in fantasy leagues.

Kulikov practiced with the team for the first time since suffering his back injury Monday.

EDGE Analysis

This is a good sign that Kulikov will return to the lineup sooner than later after skating on his own Sunday. The veteran rearguard has appeared in just 20 games for the Sabres this season after playing at least 73 games in each of his past three seasons. Given his limited offensive upside, his fantasy value is very limited at this point, but his return will give the Sabres defense a boost. There is no date set for Kulikov's return and the Sabres begin a three-game road trip Tuesday.

Kulikov (back) skated on his own Sunday, John Vogl of the Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has yet to return to practice for the Sabres since the start of his back ailment, but he's at least displaying some progress in his recovery by skating on his own. The next step is a return to practice and then to game action, where the 26-year-old will attempt to improve on a rough start to the season (one point in 20 games).

Kulikov (back), who has missed the past six games, was not on the ice for Monday's skate.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a tough first year in Buffalo for Kulikov, who has been forced to sit out with an injury for nearly half the season so far. He's appeared in just 20 of 39 games, despite having played at least 73 in each of his past three seasons. The Sabres are managing without him and leaning heavily on Rasmus Ristolainen yet again, but could use him to stabilize the back end. Given his limited offensive value and injury woes this season, Kulikov has very little fantasy value. He's questionable for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia.

Kulikov (back) will not play Saturday afternoon against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

The Russian blueliner remains on injured reserve with his next chance to suit up for a game coming Tuesday against the Flyers.

Kulikov (back) is listed on injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's struggles with health this season has cast a storm cloud on his ability to contribute for a Buffalo team having a heck of a time trying to climb out of the basement of the Atlantic Division. This is especially unfortunate given that he's been able to log heavy minutes -- 22:19 of ice time -- through 20 games. It's safe to look in another direction for a fantasy defenseman, at least until Kulikov can put his back issues to rest and revert to the power-play weapon we had seen in season's past.

Kulikov (back) will not play Tuesday against the Rangers or Thursday against the Blackhawks, John Vogl of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov missed a home-and-home series against Boston and will not travel with the team on their short two-game road trip. The veteran defenseman was brought in to stabilize the blue line but has been in and out of the lineup all season and has just one assist in 20 games for the Sabres. Kulikov's status will likely be updated prior to Saturday's match against Winnipeg.

Kulikov (back) won't travel to Boston for Saturday's game against the Bruins, and remains without a definite timetable for his return to game action, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's been dealing with a lingering back injury for much of the 2016-17 campaign, and could be in line for a lengthy absence while attempting to overcome the ailment. Buffalo's depth at defense will be tested while Kulikov is in recovery mode, but his extremely limited offensive upside -- one assist in 20 games this season -- keeps him off the fantasy radar in most formats.

Kulikov (back) won't play Thursday against the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's lingering back injury has already cost him 14 games this season, and will likely be something he'll have to deal with for the remainder of the campaign. The Russian defender's absence will test Buffalo's depth at defense, but won't impact many fantasy owners' lineups, as his nearly non-existent offensive production -- 1 assist in 20 games this season -- keeps him from being a useful option in most season-long formats. The Sabres should release another update on Kulikov's status once he's ready to return to game action.