Uvis Balinskis, a defenseman for the Florida Panthers, has signed a two-year contract extension with the team that will keep him in Florida through the 2027-28 NHL season. Balinskis, who joined the Panthers after being scouted in the Czech Extraliga during the 2022-23 season, has played 141 games for Florida and contributed 31 points.
Head coach Paul Maurice commented on Balinskis’ new deal: “It’s his personality and his character, that’s what that contract is. He’s worked so hard to get better. He’s handled long stretches out of our lineup, and then come in during the playoffs, and in big games and performed very well. He competes how we’d like our hockey team to compete. It’s great those guys get rewarded.”
Balinskis described how negotiations developed: “It came out of nowhere. There were some talks at the start of the season, but then it quieted down. Then, Billy (Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito) made a call to my agent and offered me a deal.” On receiving the offer he said: “It’s nice [smiles]. It’s nice that the team wants you here. I needed a couple hours to think about it, and then I made my decision.”
He also reflected on job security provided by his new contract: “It’s nice to know that you’re going to have work for two more years [laughs]. It just kind of relieves you. It takes off the stress from that. You don’t have to think about it anymore. You can just play hockey.”
After signing his extension, Balinskis scored in consecutive games while taking on more responsibility due to injuries among defensemen: “Yeah, it was nice to get a couple [goals]. It’s good that the team trusts me to put me in that position. Yeah, I just have to try and keep my game consistent and as simple as I can to help the team win.”
Looking back at last year’s playoff run where he played five games and scored once, Balinskis said: “I didn’t really have much playoff experience anywhere in my career prior to that. It was nice to get those five games under my belt and just know that I can play in the playoffs. It was great to be part of that playoff run and to be part of the team. It felt so good.”
Reflecting on his journey since joining Florida in 2023 he stated: “I would probably never say that to me [laughs]. It’s not something I could’ve ever even thought about. I’m grateful for all those things and that they happened to me. It’s been great so far. I hope we can keep this thing going.”
On personal development goals moving forward he said: “Just be a full part of the team in the playoffs. I’ll do whatever it takes to be part of this team. Obviously, the team has the same goals. It’s the same for me. I want to improve my game and be better than I can be.”
Balinskis discussed having another Latvian player join him when rookie Sandis Vilmanis was recalled from AHL earlier this month: “I think we were the first two Latvians to combine on the same goal [in NHL]. It’s cool to make some history. It’s very cool for me and for Sandis. It’s nice that more and more Latvians are showing up in NHL.” He added about speaking Latvian with Vilmanis: “Yeah, Jamie (Panthers assistant coach Jamie Kompon) says we walk side by side all time…It’s nice to talk with someone in my own language and help him fit in too.”
Next month both players will represent Latvia at Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026—Balinskis’ second Olympics appearance following Beijing 2022 which took place under COVID restrictions: “The Olympics in 2022 were a little bit different…I think this Olympics will be way different than it was then…All NHL players are coming now…so I don’t even know what expect even though I’ve been there…”
The Panthers will send players representing five nations at these Olympics; regarding this international presence Balinskis said: “It shows how good players are on this team…They’re important pieces their countries too…It’s going fun play against teammates opposite sides…”
Since arriving from Europe three seasons ago Balinskis has enjoyed traveling across North America with favorite cities including New York City—his first visit—and Montreal.
Off ice he spends downtime with family enjoying South Florida’s climate: “I just hang out at my place…hang out with wife especially when we’ve been road…nice come back colder place Florida [smiles]…”
Balinskis is also preparing for fatherhood soon; he expressed excitement about becoming a parent for first time saying “It’s exciting times…I can’t wait baby…It’s going whole new adventure.” He noted seeking advice from teammates such as Jesper Boqvist.