HELSINKI, Finland -- Just got word that defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been able to get out of his contract with the Russian pro league and has signed an entry level contract with the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers had until 5 p.m. on Tuesday to get a deal done or Kulikov had to be returned to his junior team in Quebec.
This is very good news for the Panthers because it offers them a number of possibilities.
First, Kulikov can play for Florida this year if the team wants him to. That's the biggest deal. He could also be sent back to the Quebec junior league, but at least now the Panthers have that flexibility.
I don't expect Kulikov to last the season with the Panthers; if he plays in 10 games, the first year of his NHL deal kicks in which means he can be a free agent (see: Bouwmeester, Jay) a year sooner. But, it looks like Kulikov is going to get his chance to show what he can do at the NHL level. He will be on the opening day roster, he will get his nine games in the league. If he excels and the Panthers want to keep him up, they can. If they don't, he goes back to Drummondville.
The NHL hasn't officially accepted Kulikov's contract, but it is in the league office and it looks like everything is OK. Kulikov's agent wired the money to Kulikov's KHL team thereby securing the already negotiated buyout.
-- The Panthers also placed Jeff Taffe on waivers today. He'll be off to Rochester as soon as this trip is completed as long as he doesn't get claimed.
YES!!! were looking at the future linchpin of this franchise's D folks . . . the kids gunna be a star.
Posted by: Tomek23@hotmail.co.uk | September 29, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Great news.
Posted by: Justin | September 29, 2009 at 12:51 PM
finally some good news
Posted by: season ticket holder since day one | September 29, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Is this a "paper move", or is Taffe on his way back to NA?
Posted by: Mike | September 29, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Taffe on waivers? I assumed he'd be in Rochester but he's a guy I could see a team picking up. Interesting move, can you shed some more light on it GR?
Posted by: Big Slap Shot Bob | September 29, 2009 at 01:33 PM
i'm liking randy a little more for this move
Posted by: Rene | September 29, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Great news, was starting to think it wouldn't happen... Taffe has to clear waivers before he can go to Amerks. He will travel with Panthers unless he is picked up by another team.
Posted by: Bo | September 29, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Great news! I am really excited to see what Kulikov can do. He certainly has played very solidly thus far.
Posted by: panthersfan | September 29, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Yeah Kulikov!!!
Posted by: Gambit00 | September 29, 2009 at 07:32 PM