Luostarinen signs 3-year contract with Panthers

Eetu Luostarinen signed a three-year contract with the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The contract will begin in the 2024-25 season.

The 24-year-old forward, who has one season remaining on a two-year contract he signed with Florida on July 8, 2022, could have become a restricted free agent after this season. He set NHL career-highs in goals (17), assists (26) and points (43) in 82 regular-season games, and had five points (two goals, three assists) in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games last season, including the game-winner in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Bruins.

"Eetu is a dynamic two-way center whose speed and strength allow him to excel on any line," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. "His consistency and dependability are a great asset to our forward group, and we are excited about what he can continue to bring to our lineup in the coming seasons."

Selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round (No. 42) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Luostarinen has 78 points (29 goals, 49 assists) in 212 regular-season games with the Hurricanes and Panthers, and seven points (three goals, four assists) in 26 playoff games.