Dmitry Kulikov has re-signed a new contract extension with the Florida Panthers following their 2024 Stanley Cup victory. The deal will run for four years and carry an AAV of $1.15 million.
Veteran defenceman Dmitry Kulikov is heading back to the Stanley Cup champion FLA Panthers. Four years, AAV of $1.15 million.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2024
Dmitry Kulikov Signed
Dmitry Kulikov has been around the league for some time. And his story to the Stanley Cup seems like something out of a movie. The Florida Panthers selected Kulikov in the first round of the 2009 draft. Playing over a decade in the NHL, the 33-year-old defenceman covered North America by suiting up for eight NHL teams over his career. After making his way across the east and west coasts as well as central North America, the Panthers signed Kulikov as a free agent last offseason. A homecoming for the player who made his NHL debut in South Florida. And as history would write, he won the Cup where he started.
Kulikov isn’t known specifically for his offensive ability from the back end but is more of a stable defensive presence. He is pretty good at suppressing chances but is also not afraid to join the rush from time to time. Offensively, this season with Florida, Kulikov had 20 points (one goal, 19 assists). His best offensive season came in 2011-12 when he put up 28 points (four goals, 24 assists). Now on the other side of 30, Kulikov serves as a stable third-pairing defenceman who can provide depth.
What This Means
It’s always good to see players carve out a role for themselves to stay in the league for a long time. Kulikov seems to have done that and is showing it again. With Kulikov signed again, he will help solidify the team’s depth on defence and provide some stability. He’s not going to be an Erik Karlsson but that is ok. For any less experienced defencemen, Kulikov can serve as a mentor. His time around the league and now Stanley Cup Championship experience will continue to bring a lot of intangibles to the team.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
