D-man Kulikov out at least four weeks

WINNIPEG — The hits just keep on coming for Dmitry Kulikov.

In a game where the Winnipeg Jets defenceman probably played his best period of the new season, Kulikov sustained an upper-body injury falling to the ice after being on the receiving end of a hit from Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Bourque late in the first on Friday.

Jets head coach Paul Maurice said on Saturday that Kulikov, who was favouring his left arm/wrist when he left the ice late in the first period, would be on the shelf for at least a month.

“He’s out at least a month, and maybe longer than that,” said Maurice. “That would be the first open window. Probably the next time I give you and update will be four weeks from now.

“Pretty unfortunate. It’s a little challenge for him now. He felt that before his injury last year, he really liked his game, and it was long-term. This one is tough for him to handle.”

Kulikov, who has suited up in only six games this season, had back surgery in the summer and appeared to be rounding into form before this latest setback.

Maurice said the Jets plan to recall a blue-liner on Sunday, but gave no indication whether it would be Tucker Poolman or Sami Niku that joins the team.

“I only lean, I don’t make the call,” said Maurice. “I’m not leaning toward anybody yet.”