The Florida Panthers recalled defenseman Uvis Balinskis from the Charlotte Checkers on April 3, 2024, after Aaron Ekblad suffered an injury during the Panthers’ loss to the Montreal Canadiens. The recall gives Florida additional defensive depth as the team continues its final road trip of the regular season.
The Panthers expected an update on Ekblad’s status after their morning skate in Ottawa on April 4. Florida was scheduled to play the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m. ET that night.
Balinskis Provides Defensive Depth
Balinskis previously was recalled on March 21 while Dmitry Kulikov served a two-game suspension. He appeared in 22 games with the Florida Panthers during the 2023-24 season, recording one goal, two assists, 28 hits and 13 blocked shots.
Balinskis also recorded 21 points, including three goals and 18 assists, in 37 games with the Charlotte Checkers. The 27-year-old native of Ventspils, Latvia, was named the top defenseman in the Czech Extraliga in 2022-23, and the Panthers signed him to a two-year contract extension in January 2024.
The Florida Panthers entered their final road trip with a 47-24-5 record. Balinskis’ recall came as the team awaited further information on Ekblad’s injury.
Source: Original report