Panthers Keep Rolling Despite Injury Avalanche - Balinskis and Greer Stepping Up in a Big Way
The Florida Panthers have had their depth tested early and often this season. With 270 man-games lost to injury - the third-highest total in the NHL - it’s not just the volume that stings, it’s the names on that list.
We're talking about key players like Sasha Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk missing extended time, and more recently, Seth Jones and Brad Marchand landing on injured reserve. That’s a serious chunk of top-end talent watching from the press box. But if there’s a silver lining in this storm cloud, it’s how some of the Panthers’ role players have seized their moment.
Uvis Balinskis: From Depth Defenseman to Power Play Quarterback
Let’s start with Uvis Balinskis. Before Jones went down with a collarbone injury, Balinskis was logging modest minutes - around 13 and a half per game in December.
But when the Panthers needed someone to step up, he didn’t just fill in. He leveled up.
Balinskis moved into the second pairing alongside Niko Mikkola and took over quarterbacking duties on the top power play unit - a big-time responsibility for a guy who wasn’t even a regular fixture earlier in the year. And he’s answered the call.
In his first 30 games, Balinskis had just one goal and seven points. In his last three?
Two goals and three points. That’s not just a stat bump - that’s a player growing into the moment.
“I just try to keep my game simple,” Balinskis said after signing a two-year extension with the team on Friday. “Try to keep that consistency going game to game. I guess it is working.”
Head coach Paul Maurice has taken notice too.
“His game is just outstanding,” Maurice said. “Got into holes, broke up a whole bunch of plays, has confidence with the puck.
We need that right now with Seth and Dmitry out of the lineup. Someone has to step forward and Uvis certainly has.”
A.J. Greer: From Bottom-Sixer to Top-Line Contributor
Then there’s A.J. Greer, who’s quietly having a career year - and not so quietly anymore.
With Marchand out, Greer’s been bumped up the lineup and hasn’t missed a beat. He’s riding a three-game point streak, with three goals and an assist over that stretch.
His 19 points on the season are tied for seventh on the team, and his 10 goals rank sixth - all while playing a role that’s constantly evolved.
Greer’s previous career highs? Six goals and 17 points - both set just last season. He’s already eclipsed that, and we’re not even into the final third of the year.
“My confidence [is coming from] trusting plays that are there, honing in on my strengths,” Greer said after Saturday’s 5-2 win over Washington. “I feel that my skating has taken a jump from previous years, and I have trusted that, made sure that I take care of myself and the legs off the ice to be able to put myself in a good position to be playing with the top guys.”
Greer’s been skating alongside Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe - not exactly a bad pairing to have on your wings. But he’s not just along for the ride. He’s earning every shift.
“Now that we have had numerous games together, it’s a great thing; you don’t think, you just play,” Greer said. “I call it no hesitation … just go and make the play.
If it doesn’t work out, your teammate is going to be there to bail you out. … I am playing with amazing players who can get that puck to me.
I am very grateful.”
Reinforcements Coming, But No Rush
The good news? Paul Maurice hinted that both Tkachuk and Marchand might not be out much longer.
The Panthers have also made a move that could clear the way for Tkachuk’s return, sending Noah Gregor to AHL Charlotte after he cleared waivers on Jan. 10.
It’s possible the team could shift Seth Jones to LTIR temporarily to make the numbers work, but that’s a decision for later. For now, the focus is on the guys who are healthy - and they’re making it count.
Next Up: Sharks in Town
The Panthers are back in action Monday night, hosting the San Jose Sharks at Amerant Bank Arena. Florida dropped the first meeting between these two back in November, falling 3-1 in San Jose, so there’s a little extra motivation to even the season series.
Puck drops at 6 p.m. local time, and with the way Balinskis and Greer are playing, don’t be surprised if they make some noise again.
After that, it’s off to Winnipeg for a Thursday night tilt with the Jets.
Injuries have taken their toll, no doubt. But this Panthers team isn’t folding. They’re finding new ways to win - and new players to count on.