Devils sign defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to one-year, $1.15M contract

The New Jersey Devils announced on Thursday that they've signed defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to a one-year contract worth $1.15 million. 

Kulikov, who turns 30 years old on Oct. 29, spent the last three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. He tallied two goals and eight assists across 51 regular-season games in 2019-20 until the NHL paused play on March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Kulikov added two assists in four Stanley Cup Playoff games until Winnipeg was eliminated by the Calgary Flames in the qualifier series. 

"Kulikov is an experienced, physical left-shot defenseman who skates well," general manager Tom Fitzgerald said in the official press release. "His ability to play both the right and left side brings value to our defense corps."

Amanda Stein of NHL.com wrote that Kulikov finished last season second on the Jets with 77 blocked shots and is one of three left-shooting defensemen on the New Jersey roster along with Ryan Murray and Will Butcher.

Kulikov began his NHL career with the Florida Panthers and enjoyed a brief stint with the Buffalo Sabres before he made his way to Winnipeg. In his previous 677 career regular-season contests, he notched 35 goals and 135 assists for 170 points with an average ice time of 19:57.