:watermark(https://f.pmo.ee//logos/4232/4ebd6f5dc62d0c4b6f1961c46e2f0303.png,-2p,-2p,0,18,none):format(webp)/nginx/o/2025/10/16/17213851t1h12b9.jpg)
Panthers Coach Expresses Confidence in Uvis Balinskis Amid Injury
Following a season-ending injury to defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, expected to sideline him for approximately five months, the Florida Panthers are turning to Uvis Balinskis to fill the gap in their lineup. Panthers coach Morris has voiced strong confidence in the Latvian player’s ability to contribute.
“Uvis played 76 games last season, so we are adding a hockey player who has NHL experience,” Morris stated. “We fully expect Uvis to play at the level he is capable of. We believe we are using a guy who is very capable.”
Balinskis, currently in his third season with the Panthers, has appeared in three games this season, averaging 13 minutes and 26 seconds of ice time and posting a -1 efficiency rating.He previously played 26 games in his debut season, recording three points (1 goal, 2 assists) with a neutral efficiency. Last season saw him feature in 76 regular season games, contributing 18 points through 4 goals and 14 assists, though with a -7 efficiency rating.
NHL analyst Joey Ganzi of The Hockey Writers has suggested this is a crucial opportunity for Balinskis to prove his value during Kulikov’s absence.
Balinskis is in the final year of a two-year, $1.7 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season. The Panthers currently hold eighth place in the Eastern Conference with six points after five games.
