Dmitry Kulikov Trade to Colorado Avalanche

Dmitry Kulikov of the Florida Panthers is aggressively being shopped to the highest bidding NHL team. The Panthers sit at 14th in the Eastern Conference and GM Dale Tallon has promised bold moves to his hockey club.

The 23 year old Russian is projected to be a top pairing offensive defenceman. In 30 games this season, he has 4 points and is a minus 10. Kulikov has a cap hit of $2.5 million and is going to be a restricted free agent. For his next contract, he is demanding a multi-year deal with a cap hit of $4 million per season.

The Panthers are not willing to negotiate a lucrative contract extension because of his poor defensive play. They fear Kulikov will go play overseas in the KHL if he does not get the contract he desires.

The Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche are the teams that are showing the most interest. The Florida Panthers are looking for a big young forward in return. The Avalanche have offered Jamie McGinn for Dmitry Kulikov.