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Uvis Balinskis of the Florida Panthers is the first-ever Latvian-born player to win multiple Stanley Cups. (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Panthers’ Uvis Balinskis Rewarded with New Extension

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Joey Ganzi | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 11:20 AM ET

The Florida Panthers are slowly losing grip on their potential postseason berth. With a record of 26-20-3 and 55 points, they trail the Boston Bruins by five points for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. In the Atlantic Division, the closest spot for grabs is currently controlled by the Montreal Canadiens, who have an eight-point stranglehold on the third spot.

The Panthers have lost five of their last 10 games, including a 9-1 beatdown at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes on Jan. 16. However, the goal remains the same: become the first team since Denis Potvin and the early 1980s New York Islanders to win three straight Stanley Cups.

One thing that was finalized prior to their game against the Hurricanes was the extension of defenseman Uvis Balinskis. He’ll be rocking a Panther sweater for the next two seasons at $875,000 per season.

Balinskis Is on a Roll Since His Last Extension

Over his last few games, Balinskis has really found his groove. The Latvian defenseman has scored in two of his last three games and has collected points in three of his last five games with an even rating. So far this season, he has three goals and seven assists through 40 games.

He’s shown how grateful and motivated he is by his extension with the way he’s been playing. This, in turn, should push others to do the same.

Balinskis’ NHL Resume

Balinskis came into the league undrafted as he signed with the Panthers prior to the 2023-24 season. In his first set of NHL games, he scored one goal and tallied three assists. He spent more time in Charlotte with the Checkers that season, being credited with 21 points through 37 games.

Last season, he finished with four goals and 14 assists in the regular season. In the playoffs, he dressed for five games. He scored one goal in Game 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Overall, he finished with a plus-4 rating. He’s hoping to get back into the postseason with the Panthers once again.

Balinskis Is Getting to Represent His Home Country Once Again

In the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, next month, Balinskis is going to be on the Team Latvia roster and represent his home country. While he has played internationally five previous times, this is his first Olympic selection.

He joins Matthew Tkachuk, Seth Jones, Gustav Forsling, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola among Panthers who were selected to go to the Olympics.

What’s Next for Balinskis?

With his new contract, the intention is clearly for him to stay a Florida Panther. He’s made strides in his pro career with the franchise in some shape or capacity.

“Uvis has proven his ability to be a dependable NHL blueliner on a consistent basis,” said Zito. “He possesses a relentless work ethic and we are excited that he will continue his career with the Panthers.”
Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito on the extension of defensman Uvis Balinskis.

Balinskis has been on a crazy run since coming into the organization. He’s seen two championships and is hoping to see a third one sometime soon. It might be harder this year, given the injuries that keep piling up on the roster. But he is ingrained in a championship culture that will stay with him for the rest of his life.