While Dmitry Kulikov remains unsigned, he hopes to get a deal done soon after the lockout ends. "I was hoping to sign my deal pretty quick, as soon as the season was over," said Kulikov, who is entertaining playing in Russia during a lockout. "It doesn't concern me that it's taken this long." He also shot down rumors that he'd prefer to play in Russia than the NHL once the season starts. "There has never been a thought in my head that I would leave Florida. Never," Kulikov said. "I don't want to leave the NHL to play in Russia just because I don't have a deal. Anything can be discussed on both of our parts."