Kulikov (illness) is expected to play Saturday against the Kraken, Katie Engleson of Bally Sports Florida reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov was reported to be a game-time decision while battling an illness, though it appears he'll be good to go Saturday against Seattle. The 32-year-old blueliner has three assists in his first six games with Florida this season while averaging 20:13 of ice time.

Kulikov is dealing with an illness and will be a game-time decision against Seattle on Saturday, Colby Guy of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov is not exactly known as an offensive powerhouse -- he's reached the 20-point threshold just once in the last eight seasons -- but he's off to a strong start with three helpers in six games. If the blueliner is unable to play versus the Kraken, Mike Reilly could be in line to make his season debut for the Panthers.

Kulikov registered an assist in a 4-3 victory over the Devils on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov has points in back-to-back games already this season, a feat he accomplished just once last year. While the 32-year-old defenseman could be thrust into a more offensively-minded role with both Aaron Ekblad (shoulder) and Brandon Montour (shoulder) out long-term, the fact is Kulikov has just one 20-plus point campaign in the last eight seasons and has never managed to get to the 30-point mark in his 15-year career.

Kulikov signed a one-year contract with Florida on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov earned three goals, 16 points, 108 blocked shots and 96 hits in 67 games between Anaheim and Pittsburgh last season. He spent the first seven seasons of his NHL career with the Panthers. Kulikov will compete for playing time in 2023-24 with fellow Florida newcomers Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Niko Mikkola and Mike Reilly.

Kulikov (lower body) was activated from long-term injured reserve Tuesday, according to the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov appears to be ready to return to the lineup Tuesday against Chicago. He has posted one assist, two shots on goal, four blocked shots and six hits in four games with Pittsburgh since being acquired from Anaheim. Kulikov last played March 12 versus the Rangers.

Kulikov (lower body) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's matchup with Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov's status against the Blackhawks presumably won't be confirmed until Pittsburgh takes the ice for pregame warmups. He's picked up 16 points through 65 appearances split between the Ducks and the Penguins this season.

Kulikov (lower body) is progressing in his recovery and could return sooner rather than later after coach Mike Sullivan told reporters Tuesday, "The fact that all these guys are on the ice, traveling with us, it just suggests that they're that much closer to returning to the lineup," per Pens Inside Scoop.

EDGE Analysis

Following his trade-deadline move, Kulikov played in just four games with the Penguins before sustaining his lower-body injury. The 32-year-old blueliner shouldn't be expected to offer much in the way of fantasy value given his limited offensive upside once cleared to return.

Kulikov (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov is already considered week-to-week due to his lower-body injury but the fact that he is LTIR will rule him out until at least early April. In his four games with the Pens, the 32-year-old blueliner managed one assist, two shots and six hits while averaging 12:40 of ice time. In his stead, Pierre-Olivier Joseph figures to serve as a bottom-pairing defenseman.

Kulikov (lower body) was labeled week-to-week by coach Mike Sullivan on Tuesday, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov joins fellow trade deadline acquisition Nick Bonino (abdomen) on the shelf with longer-term problems. With Kulikov sidelined, youngster Pierre-Olivier Joseph will step back into the lineup after being a healthy scratch for the previous three games. Once given the green light to return, the 32-year-old Kulikov should be in contention to reclaim his place in the lineup.

Kulikov left Sunday's game against the Rangers with a lower-body injury, Rob Rossi of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kulikov left the game after logging just 8:13 of ice time. He's being evaluated after Sunday's game and the team will likely have an update before Tuesday's tilt with Montreal.