The Florida Panthers aren’t done building around their championship core. Not by a long shot.
On Wednesday, the team announced an eight-year contract extension for forward Eetu Luostarinen. The deal doesn’t kick in until the 2027-28 season and runs through 2034-35, carrying an average annual value of $5 million. That’s a solid raise from the $3 million AAV he’s playing on right now.
Luostarinen was eligible to sign an extension because his current deal expires after next season. NHL free agency opened Wednesday, which also opened the window for players with expiring contracts to negotiate new terms. The Panthers didn’t waste any time.
Bill Zito Isn’t Hiding His Excitement
Panthers general manager Bill Zito made it clear this wasn’t just another roster move. In a statement, Zito called Luostarinen a key piece of both Stanley Cup runs and said he’s thrilled the Finn will stay in South Florida. He specifically praised Luostarinen’s work at even strength and on the penalty kill, calling him a consummate professional who makes a difference at both ends of the ice.
That kind of language from a GM signals this wasn’t just a routine contract. The Panthers value what Luostarinen brings, and they’re betting on him being part of the long-term picture.
From Hurricanes Castoff to Panthers Mainstay
Luostarinen was drafted 42nd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2017. He played just eight games for Carolina during the 2019-20 season before getting traded to Florida in the 2020-21 campaign. Since then, he’s become a staple in the lineup.
He’s appeared in 439 regular-season games with the Panthers, scoring 61 goals and adding 100 assists. In the playoffs, he’s been just as steady — 73 games played, 10 goals and 24 assists. He’s been on the ice for some of the biggest moments in franchise history.
At $5 million a year, the cap hit is manageable for a guy who kills penalties, plays responsible two-way hockey, and has shown he can produce in the postseason. It’s not a flashy signing, but it’s the kind of move that keeps a contender stable.
The Panthers have had a busy offseason already. They made a huge splash by bringing in Brady Tkachuk. They also addressed their goaltending situation. Now they’re locking up the guys who helped them win. Luostarinen is the latest example of that philosophy.
For a team trying to stay on top of the NHL for years to come, this extension is a quiet but meaningful piece of the puzzle.
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