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Panthers Lose Dmitry Kulikov for Season With Broken Finger

Florida turns to AHL call-ups to cover a depleted defense.

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.