The Florida Panthers are facing a considerable challenge as they navigate an injury crisis on their blue line. Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been officially labeled week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained during a physical encounter against Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders. This collision occurred during the first period of the Panthers' 4-2 loss on March 16, 2025. Kulikov, who is recognized for his defensive prowess and leadership, leads the team with 110 hits this season, making his absence significant as the Panthers grapple with maintaining defensive integrity.
Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed on March 19, 2025, that Kulikov's injury notification comes at a time when the team has already been without top defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who is serving a 20-game suspension. Ekblad's suspension was due to a violation of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, and the Panthers have struggled without him, winning only one of their last four games since his absence. Ekblad's return is not anticipated until the postseason, adding further pressure to the remaining defensive crew.
In response to the injury setbacks, the Panthers took swift action by calling up Toby Bjornfot from their affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL). Bjornfot, 23, was drafted 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2019. Despite his ups and downs, Maurice praised Bjornfot in previous comments, saying, “He is very predictable on the ice. He has a very good mind for the game and can pick up reads quickly, which makes him play faster. I thought he was really solid... Our expectation is not for him to drive offense, but he did with some nice, clean breakouts.”
This season, Bjornfot has previously played eight games for the Panthers in January, filling in for Ekblad when he was injured. He played just one game last year for the Panthers on March 23 before being sent back to Charlotte. Since then, the Checkers are currently positioned fourth in the AHL's Atlantic Division, just two points off from second. Granting Bjornfot another chance to showcase his talent at the NHL level appears to be a calculated move to ensure depth in a challenging stretch of the season.
Looking forward, the Panthers are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. With the Panthers leading their season series against the Blue Jackets 2-0, they hope to leverage their past successes despite recent struggles. Thursday's match-up will be an opportunity for the Panthers to gain momentum and remain competitive in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
The Panthers' upcoming schedule also includes a game against the Washington Capitals on March 22, 2025. As the Panthers look to secure their postseason aspirations, the integration of Bjornfot into the lineup will be closely monitored, especially considering Kulikov's earlier injury and Ekblad's ongoing suspension. With a critical stretch of games approaching, the team will need their remaining players to step up and compensate for the lost talent on the blue line.
In summary, the Florida Panthers are currently managing a significant injury to Dmitry Kulikov, alongside Aaron Ekblad's extended suspension. As the team moves forward, the addition of Toby Bjornfot is an essential step towards maintaining defensive stability as they aim to compete strongly in the final weeks of the regular season and secure a spot in the playoffs.
