The Florida Panthers activated veteran defenseman Dmitry Kulikov from long-term injured reserve ahead of their game against the Islanders, placing winger Cole Schwindt on injured reserve to make room. Kulikov, who has been out since suffering an upper-body injury in October, played a crucial role during the Panthers’ Stanley Cup run last season. With Seth Jones still sidelined, Kulikov is expected to strengthen the defense. Florida’s LTIR pool is now reduced by Kulikov’s $1.15MM AAV, and they have over $1.4MM in spending flexibility, which may increase if Schwindt’s long-term absence is confirmed.
