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The Florida Panthers are rolling into the brand new 12 months. They are second within the Atlantic Division with a 23-12-2 file and 48 factors. Additionally, they’re driving a five-game successful streak, beating some heavy hitters such because the Vegas Golden Knights, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
On Jan. 3, the crew introduced they’re giving a two-year contract extension to one in every of their defensive prospects, Uvis Balinskis, with a mean annual common of $850,000. Balinskis got here into the fray within the absence of Brandon Montour and Aaron Ekblad earlier within the season and did nicely. He discovered the again of the web for the primary time in his profession on Nov. 10.
Balinskis Just Beginning His NHL Career
One of 4 energetic Latvians within the NHL, the 27-year-old Ventspils native got here into the league final season undrafted after spending a number of years in several leagues throughout Europe, together with HK Riga of the MHL, Dinamo Riga of the KHL, and HC Litvinov of the Czech Extraliga. In the 2022-23 season, he was named the Extraliga’s greatest defenseman when he performed for the Liberec White Tigers by main all defensemen in targets with 11 and factors with 35.
In addition, he represented his nation within the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2017, tallying two assists by way of seven video games. He did it once more in 2023, tallying two assists by way of 10 IIHF World Championship video games, and serving to his squad declare a bronze medal.
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In April 2023, Panthers normal supervisor Bill Zito determined to take an opportunity on him due to the crew’s damage scenario.
Balinskis Performed Well Enough to Warrant an Extension
Balinskis has a purpose and an help by way of 18 video games with the Panthers this season, alongside with a fair score.
“Uvis is a talented two-way defenseman with excellent playmaking abilities. His successful transition to North American play enabled him to make an immediate impact.”
Florida Panthers normal supervisor Bill Zito on re-signing Uvis Balinskis
With the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers this season, he’s performed eight video games, scoring a purpose and aiding on seven others to common some extent per sport, with a fair score. Across the 2 leagues, his efforts earned him a assured keep in South Florida in some form or kind.
What Does This Mean for the Montour or Forsling Extensions?
On Oct. 30, 2023, in accordance NHL Insider and former Panthers draft choose Kevin Weekes, the Panthers are actively working on extensions for Montour and Gustav Forsling. There has been no information on both of these fronts.
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Although it’s not as expensive, Balinskis’ sudden extension might be seen as a fail-safe in case one thing fell by way of with the opposite offers. It’s not farfetched, contemplating Montour’s gradual begin with a purpose and 5 assists by way of 21 video games, however there may be nonetheless time for him to get again on monitor.
Balinskis is Sticking Around
Ultimately, Balinskis is a unbelievable depth piece for now and desires to begin seeing extra minutes. He is presently within the AHL receiving mentioned minutes because the Panthers have seven defensemen on their roster.
Either means, this offers the crew a security blanket on protection. It additionally secures one defensive piece, contemplating some defencemen, equivalent to Dmitry Kulikov and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, might be unrestricted free brokers this summer season. The transfer exhibits confidence within the 27-year-old, and the entrance workplace would like to see him on the principle roster in Sunrise quickly.
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