Overview
- The new deal carries an $875,000 annual cap hit, begins next season, and runs through 2027–28.
- Agent Dan Milstein announced the agreement, which general manager Bill Zito confirmed while praising Balinskis’ consistency and work ethic.
- Balinskis has taken on a larger role this season due to injuries on Florida’s blue line, logging eight points in 36 games on a second-pair assignment with Niko Mikkola.
- The 29-year-old undrafted Latvian joined the Panthers in 2023, became a full-time NHLer in 2024–25, and contributed to the 2025 Stanley Cup run.
- The extension represents a modest raise from his prior deal and precedes his appearance with Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics.