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It has already been announced that “Panthers” defender Dmitry Kulikov will not be able to play for about five months due to an injury.
As the Russian hockey player is on the list of injured players, “Panthers” include Balinsky, who did not play in the beginning of this season.
“Uvis played 74 games (76) last season, so we are adding a hockey player who has already played here (NHL),” said Morris.
“We fully expect Uvis to play at the level he is capable of. We believe we are using a guy who is very capable,” added the coach.
NHL analyst Joey Ganzi of The Hockey Writers previously said this is Balinsky’s last chance to prove himself while Kulikov recovers.
The 29-year-old Balinskis spent an average of 13 minutes and 26 seconds on the field in three matches this season, accumulating a negative efficiency coefficient of -1.
“Panthers” currently occupy eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings with six points in five matches.
Balinskis represents the “Panthers” team for the third season. In his debut season, he participated in 26 matches of the regular championship, collected three performance points (1+2) and a neutral efficiency coefficient.
Last season, Balinskis played 76 regular season games, scored four goals, completed 14 assists (4+14) and earned a negative efficiency coefficient of -7.
Balinski agreed to a two-year, $1.7 million contract last January. The Latvian hockey player’s contract will end after this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
