Latvia’s decision on a Panthers defenseman reveals his real value
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Jonathan Ouimet
Feb 10, 2026 (4:43 PM)
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Photo credit: David W Cerny/Reuters via Imagn Images
Uvis Balinskis earns an A for Latvia at the Olympics, and the Florida Panthers defenseman just turned a depth story into real leadership.
That alternate captain letter is not a souvenir. It is a job, and Latvia just handed him responsibility when the games get loud.
Balinskis has quietly become one of Florida’s steadiest answers on a blue line that has needed solutions all season.
He’s not out there to be flashy. He’s out there to survive shifts, move pucks clean, and keep the game from spiraling.
This season he’s at 5-9-14, and those numbers are a nice bonus for a defender who keeps showing up when roles change fast.
The tweet that summed up the vibe says it all.
That “A” also lands at the perfect time, because Florida rewarded him with a two-year extension that carries a $875,000 cap hit starting in 2026-27.
That contract says the front office trusts him to be a dependable piece, not just a guy passing through the rotation.
The Panthers are 29-25-3, and every point matters, so minutes have to be earned and mistakes get remembered.
Balinskis has earned those minutes by playing simple hockey when the team needs calm more than creativity.
Uvis Balinskis gives Florida Panthers real backbone
Panthers fans can’t help but smile at this one, because it feels like watching a hardworking guy get the exact respect he deserves.
For Latvia, leadership is even heavier. When your bench is facing bigger rosters, you need someone who keeps teammates focused after a bad bounce.
An alternate captain becomes the translator of the moment. He settles the group, talks to officials, and makes sure the next shift is clean.
At the Olympics, composure is everything because one dumb penalty can flip a tournament game in five seconds.
Balinskis also brings belief, because Latvia has made a habit of playing fearless when nobody expects it.
If Latvia gets pinned in its zone, his first pass matters. If Latvia gets a late power play, his shot lane decisions matter.
He earned that letter, and now he gets to wear it for his country while Florida watches closely and cheers.
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