Getty Images The Florida Panthers managed to re-sign restricted free agent Dmitry Kulikov just before the start of the season, but it looks like they were still a little too late, based on a Miami Herald report.
Without a contract, Kulikov stayed in Russia even after the lockout ended and only returned to North America on Thursday. After missing most of training camp and suffering from a serious case of jet lag, Panthers coach Kevin Dineen decided that Kulikov isn’t ready to play.
“You have to look at a guy, whether he helps you,” Dineen said. “Frankly it’s disappointing he’s not ready to play. There are different ways around it, but he’s not playing tonight.
“He’s a guy who’s had some time and should be ready to go. He signed a contract yesterday, fortunately passed his physical. He’ll play Monday.”
Kulikov was a big part of the Panthers’ defense last season and averaged a career-high 21:51 minutes per game. He had six points and 28 penalty minutes in 22 KHL games during the work stoppage.
-
Getty Images
Coburn might be heading the other way.
-
He also loves 2013 NHL Draft prospect Darnell Nurse.
-
Getty Images
The coach already had him picked as Plan B if Marian Hossa couldn’t play.
-
Getty Images
Blackhawks coach knows his team has to improve in those areas.
-
AP
Stemming from his arrest in 2011.
-
“I’ve got a nice little scratch mark on my forehead from the claw marks.”
-
Getty Images
23-year-old defenseman had six goals in the playoffs.
-
Preds stay busy, ink Henderson to two-year, $1.1 million deal
Jun 18, 2013, 4:13 PM EDT
26-year-old made his NHL debut last season.
-
Pegula ‘concerned’ about Miller and Vanek, wants to keep them in Buffalo
Jun 18, 2013, 3:26 PM EDT
Getty Images
But will they stay?
-
Getty Images
Could an NHL team one day call it home?
-
Sharks, Couture reportedly agree to five-year, $30 million extension
Jun 18, 2013, 3:07 PM EDT
As per TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
-
Getty Images
He’s still “day-to-day” with his injury.
-
He’s been given permission to seek employment elsewhere.
-
Getty Images
“We don’t care about calling certain guys superstars on our team,” said the coach.
-
AP
Hey, he did take two weeks off.
-
AP
The Isles are one team that’s reportedly interested.
-
Former North Dakota standout was a 2009 Panthers draftee.
-
Getty Images
The No. 2 overall pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is ready to go.
-
Getty Images
Former ‘Hawks assistant takes over the Caps’ minor-league team.
-
They’ll suit up for AK Bars Kazan next season.
