Kulikov’s new deal carries an average annual value of $4.33 million.

The 23-year old Russian scored eight goals and added 11 assists in 81 games with the Panthers in 2013-14.

I wonder how much this will influence Detroit’s negotions with DK. Their ages are similar as is their point total (with DK scoring 4 fewer goals but 8 more assists). DK had a distinct edge in +/- with a +10 vs Kulikov’s -26.

Personally, I think DK deserves every bit as much as E52 and Quincey ($4.25M). But will Detroit pay him that much? I’m guessing they won’t.

Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids, MI on 07/18/14 at 11:28 AM ET

Kulikov is a good young d who made much improvement last season and should only get better. His early years saw a lot of giveaways but last season he seemed to play a more mature game. With a better forward group this year the Panthers should play less in their own end and make the D work much less. Panthers have played too much in their own end and that hurts all their stats. Both Kulikov and the team should have a good year. The change to Gallant as coach I really think will improve the whole team. Of course they pretty much can only get better from where they were.

Posted by Puckbubba on 07/18/14 at 05:32 PM ET