General manager Randy Sexton said Dmitry Kulikov will remain with the Panthers for the foreseeable future.

Kulikov, an 18-year-old defenseman, was set to play Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators. If he does, the first year of his three-year entry-level contract would kick in and he would get credit for one year of NHL service.

Under the labor contract, a player can become an unrestricted free agent after seven years. If the labor agreement isn't amended -- and if the Panthers haven't signed Kulikov to a long-term deal by then -- he could leave the team atage 24.

Sexton said last week that losing Kulikov early isn't a concern. The decision to keep him was based on his growth as a player. Sexton and coach Pete DeBoer believe Kulikov has played well in his first nine games and going back to the Canadian junior leagues would not help his development.

``We have to do the best thing for the long term development of Dmitry Kulikov and what is in the best interests of our team,'' Sexton said.

``I think we accomplished both things. The best thing for Dmitry right now is staying with us. But he has to work, has to continue to improve. If there becomes a time when he's not developing, I will send him back [to juniors]. But he's here and he's excited. Now he can relax a little, get settled in.''

Kulikov has been put into a number of big situations by DeBoer. DeBoer has Kulikov on Florida's top power-play unit, and Kulikov has logged big minutes. In last week's loss against Buffalo, Kulikov was on the ice a season-high 24 minutes and led the team in shifts.

Kulikov, Florida's first-round pick (14th overall) last June, has three assists.

``It's a grind, a long schedule. But based on the window we've seen him in, he's fit very well,'' DeBoer said.

BOOTH SPEAKS

David Booth was at practice Tuesday, but it's going to be a long time until he returns to action after sustaining a concussion in Saturday's loss in Philadelphia.

Booth, with a nasty black right eye and cuts on his nose, said he is suffering from headaches and can't watch TV or read for more than five minutes at a time.

``If you get a shoulder injury you can ride the bike,'' Booth said. ``This is different. You can't do anything. I just have to lay off for a while.

``It's weird. I don't like it.''

Booth said he has seen a replay of Mike Richards' hit on him in open ice but was diplomatic about it. A number of Booth's teammates and Sexton have said it was a dirty hit.

``It's unfortunate. Maybe I should have been more careful, I don't know,'' Booth said. ``Those things happen.

``It's hockey. It could have been worse. I'm thankful it's not.''

NOTABLE

• DeBoer said Radek Dvorak's injured left knee will not require surgery, but the veteran winger will be out of the lineup for at least the next few weeks. Dvorak also was injured in the Philadelphia game.

• Dominic Moore, who broke his nose against Philadelphia, was wearing a full cage on his mask in Tuesday's practice.

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