Confirmed with Link: Panthers sign defenseman Uvis Balinskis to 1-year ELC (23-24)

[batting1k]

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[Krispy]

Very nice.

 

[Prominence Problem]

 

[hoax15]

Don’t know much about him, whats the expectation?

 

[ShootIt]

Don’t know much about him, whats the expectation?

My expectation is Cale Makar and Scott Stevens combined


What I've read he's a two way defenseman who is a good puck mover.

Not sure if it translates to a legit NHL defenseman or if he would be willing to start in the AHL or just go back to Europe.

 

[pantherbot]

Don’t know much about him, whats the expectation?

Not Staal

 

[Prominence Problem]

Don’t know much about him, whats the expectation?

Looks like he has a big shot.

 

[violaswallet]

Got to think the plan is to use him in the AHL as a veteran that doesn't count against the max 5 veteran rule. Smart

 

[v-man]

He was the top scoring defenceman in the Czech league this season (35 points in 50 games, plus 7 in the playoffs). Has olympic and world championship experience and was a pleasant surprise in the KHL. Will probably be a serviceable call-up, but spend most of the year in the AHL.

 

[Prominence Problem]

Carlsson must have really piss somebody off in the front office

 

[Ghoste]

Hopefully he is quick and can skate.

-ghoste

 

[Gentle Man]

I expect another left handed Erik Karlsson just like the other guy we signed

 

[batting1k]

I expect another left handed Erik Karlsson just like the other guy we signed

You mean Linus Hultstrom, the Erik Karlsson of the SHL?

 

[Gentle Man]

Boy what a bust he was

 

[Gentle Man]

You mean Linus Hultstrom, the Erik Karlsson of the SHL?

Lmao that's the one.

Boy was he a bust

 

[Chessarmy]

Gentlemen, the Stanley Cup is ours.

 

[IceManCat]

Cant wait for the Moller puns on this guys name

 

[Vikz]

Latvia lacks high-end defensemen currently, and Balinskis is the best we have to offer. Good skater and puck mover, almost elite by our standards. Crucial on the PP in the NT. I'm not sure how this will help him crack the bottom pairings in Florida though.
Historically, however, Panthers were kind to Latvian defensemen. Both Sandis Ozolins and Karlis Skrastins spent 1.5 relatively successful seasons with you guys. While non of the forwards, including the most recent one in Rudolfs Balcers, made an impact. So if you try to crack the Panthers roster as a Latvian, you better be a defenceman.

 

[BabyBennettov]

Carlsson must have really piss somebody off in the front office

This.

I think it is Paul’s fault actually, or Lefebvre’s…

But if our coaching-staff can’t make Carlsson work next year, and this guy thrives outside of our organisation, it will be a shame.

That was another gem from Zito !

 

[BeezKnees]

Cant wait for the Moller puns on this guys name

Uvis with a huge pair of Balinskis!

 

[Prominence Problem]

Latvia lacks high-end defensemen currently, and Balinskis is the best we have to offer. Good skater and puck mover, almost elite by our standards. Crucial on the PP in the NT. I'm not sure how this will help him crack the bottom pairings in Florida though.
Historically, however, Panthers were kind to Latvian defensemen. Both Sandis Ozolins and Karlis Skrastins spent 1.5 relatively successful seasons with you guys. While non of the forwards, including the most recent one in Rudolfs Balcers, made an impact. So if you try to crack the Panthers roster as a Latvian, you better be a defenceman.

Panthers have a prospect, Sarnia Sting Sandis Vilmanis, who is making some noise this year. He is a big lanky Latvian forward.

 

[pantherbot]

This.

I think it is Paul’s fault actually, or Lefebvre’s…

But if our coaching-staff can’t make Carlsson work next year, and this guy thrives outside of our organisation, it will be a shame.

That was another gem from Zito !

Read that Carlsson had a baby right before the season started. Was planning on staying in Florida before being sent down so it meant he couldn't spend time with his wife and newborn.

So maybe after getting resettled in Charlotte he didn't want to get relocated again. Plus he's having a great season in AHL. Of course being with the big club would mean more money and exposure so most don't say no to that, but who knows.

Or maybe it shows the org. really dislikes him sending him down right when the baby came, but I'm guessing that's not the case. More about wanting Mahura and Staal, plus the cap and Carlsson getting more time to develop in minors.

We'll know next year. He should definitely be given a fair shot to be with the Panthers.

 

[Panteras]

Latvia lacks high-end defensemen currently, and Balinskis is the best we have to offer. Good skater and puck mover, almost elite by our standards. Crucial on the PP in the NT. I'm not sure how this will help him crack the bottom pairings in Florida though.
Historically, however, Panthers were kind to Latvian defensemen. Both Sandis Ozolins and Karlis Skrastins spent 1.5 relatively successful seasons with you guys. While non of the forwards, including the most recent one in Rudolfs Balcers, made an impact. So if you try to crack the Panthers roster as a Latvian, you better be a defenceman.

I remember Skrastins (RIP). Nothing flashy from him but if memory serves me correctly, he did all the little things right and was a responsible defenseman. If we can get that from Balinskis I’d be happy.

 

[austropanther]

I remember Skrastins (RIP). Nothing flashy from him but if memory serves me correctly, he did all the little things right and was a responsible defenseman. If we can get that from Balinskis I’d be happy.

What a sad day it was when young men like him and Pavol Demitra died in the planecrash. Always a fan of both of them. Skrastins was the prototype for a true hockey player to me.

Too bad that this small country does not get more attention, the Latvians are absolutely crazy about hockey.

 

[FrolikFan67]

Read that Carlsson had a baby right before the season started. Was planning on staying in Florida before being sent down so it meant he couldn't spend time with his wife and newborn.

So maybe after getting resettled in Charlotte he didn't want to get relocated again. Plus he's having a great season in AHL. Of course being with the big club would mean more money and exposure so most don't say no to that, but who knows.

Or maybe it shows the org. really dislikes him sending him down right when the baby came, but I'm guessing that's not the case. More about wanting Mahura and Staal, plus the cap and Carlsson getting more time to develop in minors.

We'll know next year. He should definitely be given a fair shot to be with the Panthers.

It sucks for Carlsson because I’d love to see him on the bottom pairing LD but we already have Mahura. I don’t want him on his off side, and while he should be the first replacement, having him no get any playing time as the 7th guy doesn’t do him too much good either. Unless they give that spot to Carlsson and make Mahura the 7th but that seems incredibly unlikely. As long as Carlsson is willing to sign, having him readily available in the AHL is never a bad thing