Called up from the AHL on Tuesday, former Liiga star Anton Levtchi is expected to make his NHL debut against the Canadiens.
Put in a position to succeed right out of the gate, the 27-year-old forward has spent the last two practices skating on a line with fellow Finn Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart.
"I want him to shoot the puck because he can," Maurice said when asked about his expectations for Levtchi. "There's a bit more of a passing mentality in the European game. He can pass, but he's here because he can shoot. He's playing with two guys that can find him in holes."
No stranger to putting up points, Levtchi led Liiga with 61 points (26 goals, 35 assists) in 55 games with Tappara Tampere -- a club partially owned by Barkov -- during the 2021-22 season.
After being named the league's MVP during the regular season, Levtchi then went on to post one goal and nine assists in 14 playoff games to help lead Tappara to the Liiga Championship.
Longtime friends, Barkov said he's looking forward to sharing in Levtchi's long-awaited debut.
"I'm really excited for him," Barkov said. "I've known him since I was like three years old. We grew up together and spent so much time together. We played for the same team in junior. It's like your own brother is making his debut, and on the same team, too. It's pretty special for me to see him in the same locker room. It's one of those things where after your career you'll remember you played with the guy you basically grew up with and spent so much time with."
Making the jump to North America after playing professionally for six seasons in Finland, Levtchi, who inked a one-year, two-way contract with Florida this past summer, has spent the past several months adjusting to a smaller rink and different style of play in the AHL.
"It's so completely different over here," Maurice said. "He's an older pro, so he's got more years ingrained in a certain style of game. It takes those guys a little bit longer at times to find the holes. It's a completely different almost sport. … You've got to give them some time to get a feel for the speed of it. It really doesn't slow down much in the NHL."
In 24 games with the Charlotte Checkers, Levtchi has recorded 13 points (seven goals, six assists).
"He sees the plays that not too many guys see," Barkov said. "He's a really skilled guy. You never know what he's going to do. He can shoot the puck. He's really good offensively."
