Kulikov, 29, scored two goals and eight assists for 10 points in 51 games last season with the Jets, while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time (20:01) per game. Kulikov finished the regular season third amongst Winnipeg defenseman in TOI and hits with 104. In the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added two helpers in four contests.
Drafted 14th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Florida Panthers, Kulikov set career highs in assists (24) and points (28) during the 2011-12 season in 56 games played. In 677 career NHL contests in 11 seasons with Florida, Buffalo, and Winnipeg, the left-handed blue-liner scored 35 goals and 135 assists for 170 points while averaging 19:57 of ice time. The 6'1", 205lb. defenseman has skated in 24 career Stanley Cup Playoff contests, tallying one goal and six assists with 18 penalty minutes.
Born October 29, 1990, the native of Lipetsk, Russia played one season (2008) with Drummondville (QMJHL) before his NHL career, where he helped the Voltigeurs to a President Cup appearance. In 57 QMJHL games, he scored 12 goals and 50 assists for 62 points. In 19 QMJHL playoff games, he added two goals and 17 assists for 19 points. In his lone season with Drummondville, Kulikov's play earned him QMJHL Defenseman of the Year, Rookie of the Year and First All-Star Team. Kulikov has represented Russia in international play, winning a Gold Medal at the 2007 World Junior Championships, three Silver Medals (2008, World Junior; 2010, 2015 World Championships) and a Bronze Medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships.
