The Florida Panthers have locked up one of their defenseman for a couple more years. On Friday, the team announced they had come to terms with defenseman Uvis Balinskis on a two-year contract extension. The deal comes with an average annual value (AAV) of $875,000, a slight raise on his previous contract. The extension will keep Balinskis with the Panthers through the 2027-28 season. “Uvis has proven his ability to be a dependable NHL blueliner on a consistent basis,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team. “He possesses a relentless work ethic and we are excited that he will continue his career with the Panthers.” Florida initially signed Balinskis out of the Czech Extraliga in 2023. He was re-signed to a two-year extension in January of the following year that carried an AAV of $850,000. Balinskis has played 36 games with the Cats this season, accumulating a goal and eight points while racking up 24 penalty minutes and earning a plus-1 on-ice rating. In his third NHL season, Balinskis has skated in 138 games with the Panthers, accumulating six goals, 29 points and 59 penalty minutes. He was also named to Team Latvia's Olympic team and will represent his country next month in Milan. Florida now has six defensemen signed at least through 2028: Balinskis, Seth Jones (signed through 2030), Aaron Ekblad (signed through 2033), Gus Forsling (signed through 2032), Niko Mikkola (signed through 2034) and Dmitry Kulikov (signed through 2028). LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Panthers road trip continues in Carolina with Cats searching for third straight win [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-road-trip-continues-in-carolina-with-cats-searching-for-third-straight-win] Tobias Bjornfot And Jack Devine Selected As Charolette Checkers AHL All-Star Game Representatives [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/tobias-bjornfot-and-jack-devine-selected-as-charolette-checkers-ahl-all-star-game-representatives] Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers to visit White House for second straight year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/stanley-cup-champion-florida-panthers-to-visit-white-house-for-second-straight-year] Niko Mikkola Misses Practice; Deemed Healthy And Available For Panthers’ Next Game [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/niko-mikkola-misses-practice-deemed-healthy-and-available-for-panthers-next-game] Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand practice with Panthers, nearing return to lineu [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/matthew-tkachuk-brad-marchand-practice-with-panthers-nearing-return-to-lineup] Photo caption: Dec 4, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis (26) moves the puck against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
