Several notable NHL lineup and injury updates have emerged ahead of upcoming games, with the Florida Panthers potentially regaining key defenseman Dmitry Kulikov after an upper-body injury. These developments are shaping team strategies across the league and could influence outcomes in the next series of matches.
Potential Return of Dmitry Kulikov for the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice has indicated that defenseman Dmitry Kulikov is a game-time decision for the team’s Sunday matchup against the New York Islanders, currently scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Kulikov, sidelined since October 9 due to an upper-body injury sustained early in the season, has not taken the ice since the Panthers’ 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Adding to the Panthers’ defensive concerns, Uvis Balinskis remains day-to-day following his exit during a narrow 3-2 defeat against the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, Seth Jones skated in a full practice jersey as he works back from an upper-body injury sustained on January 2 at the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic in a loss to the New York Rangers.
St. Louis Blues Activate Robert Thomas After Personal Leave
The St. Louis Blues have activated forward Robert Thomas from injured reserve following a leave of absence due to personal reasons. Thomas is expected to play in Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Wild at 5 p.m. ET. Before his hiatus since January 10, he had accumulated 33 points, including 11 goals and 22 assists through 42 games. The Blues also designated forward Robby Fabbri as non-roster ahead of the upcoming contests.
Edmonton Oilers Place Two Players on Waivers
The Edmonton Oilers have placed forward Andrew Mangiapane and defenseman Alec Regula on waivers. Mangiapane, a 29-year-old forward with 14 points across 52 games this season, joined the Oilers on a two-year contract starting July 1 after posting career highs with the Calgary Flames in the 2021-22 season. Regula, 25, recently returned to the roster following a conditioning stint with the Bakersfield team of the American Hockey League, which began on February 18.
Anthony Cirelli’s Return for Tampa Bay Lightning Falls Short
Center Anthony Cirelli returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s lineup in their 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday after missing four games due to a lower-body injury. This injury, sustained during a February 1 victory over the Boston Bruins at the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, also forced Cirelli to miss the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games despite his selection for Team Canada. Cirelli has contributed 35 points this season, including 15 goals and 20 assists over 50 games.
Los Angeles Kings’ Andrei Kuzmenko Out With Knee Injury
Forward Andrei Kuzmenko remains sidelined on a week-to-week basis after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Kuzmenko has scored 25 points in 52 games this season, tallying 13 goals and 12 assists before his knee injury.
Luke Hughes Strengthens New Jersey Devils’ Defense Post-Injury
Defenseman Luke Hughes helped lead the New Jersey Devils to a 3-1 victory over the Blues by contributing an assist and a plus-1 rating while logging over 20 minutes of ice time. Hughes returned after missing 10 games due to a shoulder injury sustained on January 19. The Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Hughes, saying,
“He’s a dynamic offensive guy for us,”
“Brings a lot of extra speed and pace from the blue line, and from our own zone which we can really use. He’s a good player for us in all facets of the game.”
Hughes has contributed 27 points this season, with five goals and 22 assists in 50 games.
Impact of These Player Updates on Team Dynamics
The potential return of Dmitry Kulikov could significantly bolster the Florida Panthers’ defensive strength as they face the Islanders. Similarly, Robert Thomas’s activation from injured reserve provides a boost for the St. Louis Blues, while the Edmonton Oilers’ waiver decisions indicate a move to adjust their roster for strategic or developmental reasons. Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings continue to adjust lineups due to lingering injuries, affecting their competitive positioning. New Jersey Devils appear to strengthen their defense as Luke Hughes returns, bringing key offensive contributions from the blue line.
These injury and lineup changes highlight the ongoing challenges NHL teams face in managing player availability and performance amid a demanding season. Fans and analysts will closely watch upcoming games to see how these shifts influence team strategies and standings.
