Overview
- Kulikov, who left during a 4-3 shootout loss in Montreal, was ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking a finger, head coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday.
- Seth Jones fractured his foot in the same game against the Canadiens, according to Maurice.
- Florida recalled defensemen Mikulas Hovorka and Ludvig Jansson from AHL Charlotte, and rookies Ludvig Jansson and Marek Alscher are slated to make their NHL debuts, per the projected lineup.
- The injury caps a grueling year for Kulikov, who returned in March from shoulder surgery, played through a broken nose, and finished with 19 games and no points.
- The Panthers are 37-37-4 and already eliminated from playoff contention, so the final games will prioritize coverage on the blue line and live NHL reps for prospects.