How Florida Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis found a home in Sunrise
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Jonathan Ouimet
Jan 22, 2026 (5:47 PM)
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Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Florida Panthers Uvis Balinskis Q and A shows real gratitude
The Panthers dropped a Uvis Balinskis quote Thursday that feels like more than canned PR.
He talked about being grateful for everything that happened to him, and hoping the ride keeps going.
That line lands because Balinskis has lived the long road, not the red carpet.
He's 29, undrafted, and he had to force his way into this league the hard way.
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. Balinskis said.
On the ice, he's been exactly what contenders need, a steady depth defender who can survive tough minutes when things get messy.
In 39 games this season, Balinskis has 3-7-10, and those points are coming while Florida keeps asking him to play honest, low drama hockey.
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.
His best trait is that he rarely looks rattled, even when the forecheck is screaming and the puck is bouncing.
You can tell he prefers the calm solution, quick outlet, firm gap, no extra nonsense.
Uvis Balinskis keeps Panthers blue line calm
Fans love the hustle, but they also want reliability right now, especially when the lineup feels like it changes every other night.
That's why the gratitude tone matters, it sounds like a guy who knows he's playing with house money, and still treats every shift like an audition.
When Florida's structure slips, Balinskis tends to simplify, chip pucks to safety and let the forwards reload instead of forcing a highlight.
And there's another layer coming, he's also been named to Latvia's Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic roster, which is a massive personal milestone.
If he keeps stacking quiet, clean games, the Panthers get exactly what contenders crave, a dependable piece who doesn't need the spotlight to matter.
Also read on Sunrise Hockey Insider :
Florida Panthers Paul Maurice reveals what he was thinking as Bobrovsky crossed the ice vs the Sharks.
Florida Panthers Paul Maurice reveals what he was thinking as Bobrovsky crossed the ice vs the Sharks.
Previously on Sunrise Hockey Insider