Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers know they are playing to stay alive in the 2025–26 NHL season. With the trade deadline around the corner, the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions also understand they are just a couple of losses away from becoming sellers on the league’s market.
Thus, the upcoming games will be crucial. If the Panthers cannot turn the tide before the trade deadline on March 6, they may be forced to wave the white flag on the season. After three straight runs to the Stanley Cup Final, it appears the wear and tear has finally caught up with Florida.
Still, even during one of the darkest stretches Marchand and the Panthers have endured in some time, there is a silver lining. However, as has often been the case for Florida this season, the good news did not come alone. Stanley Cup champion Dmitry Kulikov is back in the lineup, but another player is headed to injured reserve (IR).
“The Panthers have activated Dmitry Kulikov off IR, and placed Cole Schwindt on IR,” as reported by Alex Baumgartner from Five Reasons Sports.
Dmitry Kulikov of the Florida Panthers
Kulikov is back after long injury
As the Panthers visit the New York Islanders, Kulikov made his return to NHL action. The Russian blueliner is back in the lineup for the first time since October. 9, 2025. Kulikov underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum earlier on the season and had been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) since.
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Scwhindt will miss time
Schwindt has blossomed into a key piece on Florida’s fourth line. As the Panthers have struggled throughout the season, their bottom line has been a significant contributor for the Cats.
Playing alongside A.J. Greer and either Luke Kunin or Sandis Vilmanis, the 24-year-old Schwindt has recorded four points (three goals, one assist) in 22 games. Though far from a household name in the NHL, Schwindt’s absence could prove more costly than fans might expect. Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t always tell the whole story. When it comes to Schwindt’s impact, stats don’t do it justice.
