Kulikov penned a four-year, $4.6 million contract with the Panthers on Monday, Bob McKenzie of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov appears to be enjoying his second stint with Florida, having started his career with the club after being selected 14th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Considering the veteran blueliner hasn't recorded a power-play point since the 2016-17 campaign when he was with the Sabres, fantasy managers probably shouldn't be expecting more than 20-25 points out of Kulikov this upcoming season.

Kulikov notched an assist in Monday's 2-1 win over the Oilers in Game 7.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's only two points in the playoffs were both assists, and they came in the last two games. The defenseman added 56 hits, 25 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating while playing in a bottom-pairing role over 24 postseason appearances. The 33-year-old is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, one of three regulars on the Panthers' blue line that could hit the open market July 1.

Kulikov posted an assist, two shots on goal and four hits in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Oilers in Game 6.

EDGE Analysis

The helper was Kulikov's first point since April 4, ending a 27-game dry spell that had covered all of the Panthers' postseason run. While his offense has been absence, the 33-year-old blueliner has racked up 55 hits, 25 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 23 playoff appearances. He's been a fixture in a third-line role, though that's not one that comes with much ice time given the talented defensemen on the Panthers' roster.

Kulikov will be eligible to play Sunday against Philadelphia after serving his two-game suspension.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov received a two-game ban for an illegal check to the head on Tampa Bay's Conor Sheary on March 16. The 33-year-old Kulikov has collected 16 assists, 61 shots on goal, 70 blocked shots and 121 hits in 64 contests this campaign. With Aaron Ekblad (lower body) unavailable and Gustav Forsling (illness) questionable for Sunday's matchup, Kulikov could replace Tobias Bjornfot in the lineup.

Kulikov was suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday for an illegal check to the head on Tampa Bay's Conor Sheary during Saturday's contest.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov will be eligible to return to the lineup Sunday against Philadelphia. He picked up a match penalty for the hit at the 3:38 mark of the second period in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Lightning. Kulikov has generated 16 assists, 61 shots on goal, 70 blocked shots and 121 hits in 64 contests this campaign. Tobias Bjornfot will probably replace Kulikov in the lineup Thursday versus Nashville.

Kulikov will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday for an illegal check to the head against Tampa Bay's Conor Sheary on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was assessed a match penalty for the hit at the 3:38 mark of the second period in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Lightning. He has accumulated 16 assists, 59 PIM, 61 shots on goal, 70 blocked shots and 121 hits in 64 contests this campaign.

Kulikov (undisclosed) is good to return Wednesday versus Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov didn't play in Monday's 5-4 overtime loss to Anaheim because of the injury. He has 10 assists in 39 contests in 2023-24. With Kulikov back, Josh Mahura might be a healthy scratch Wednesday.

Kulikov (undisclosed) won't play Monday against Anaheim, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has accounted for 10 assists, 39 shots on goal, 50 blocked shots and 51 hits in 39 games this season. He will be replaced in the lineup by Josh Mahura.

Kulikov (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision Monday against Anaheim, Colby Guy of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear exactly what's ailing Kulikov, but the 33-year-old defenseman played just 13:49 minutes in a loss to the Devils on Saturday. Kulikov has 10 points, all assists, through 39 games in his return to the Panthers this season. Josh Mahura would likely slot into Florida's third pairing if Kulikov ultimately can't suit up.

Kulikov managed an assist in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's first run with the Panthers between 2010-15 resulted in him averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time per game, including action on the power play, but nowadays, he's on the third defensive pair and not tasked with doing anything on the man advantage. The 33-year-old has yet to score this season, though he does have nine helpers, 38 blocked shots and 41 hits.