Dmitry Kulikov will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season, allowing Balinskis to return to the Panthers lineup. Balinskis has two points (1G / 1A) and 15 shots on goal while averaging 13:59 time-on-ice, playing predominantly on the Panthers' third defensive pair.
Balinskis has played 10 games for the Panthers but has been scratched in their two most recent contests in favour of Mike Reilly. Balinskis, who has zero points while averaging 14:07 time-on-ice, will return to the third defensive pair with Josh Mahura.
The 27-year-old rookie has registered zero points, seven blocked shots, and 13 hits across ten games with the Panthers this season. Mike Reilly will draw into the lineup in his place.
Balinskis has played all 10 games for the Panthers this season, this first of his career, registering zero points, eight shots, and a -2 plus/minus while averaging 14:07 time-on-ice. The Latvian defender will be a healthy scratch on Monday to make room for Mike Reilly to make his season debut.
Balinskis is an undrafted free agent from Latvia who has spent the last three season in the Czech Extraliga. The 26-year-old blue liner had 11 goals and 24 assists (35 points) in 50 games with Liberec Bili Tygri HC in 2023. He represented Latvia in the 2022 Olympics, tallying three assists in four games.
