Finnish forward Eetu Luostarinen signs $40 million, eight-year extension with Florida Panthers

Finnish forward Eetu Luostarinen has secured a significant long-term commitment from the Florida Panthers, signing an eight-year contract extension worth $40 million. The deal, which averages $5 million per season, will keep the 27-year-old center with the team through the 2034-35 NHL season, making him one of the Panthers' core players for the foreseeable future.

Luostarinen, who joined the Panthers in the 2020-21 season, has already been a key contributor to the team's recent success, including back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025. His consistent performance and versatility have made him a valuable asset for Florida.

He is part of a strong Finnish contingent on the Panthers roster. Alongside Luostarinen, the team features captain Aleksander Barkov, forward Anton Lundell, and defenseman Niko Mikkola, creating a significant Finnish presence in Miami.

The contract signing comes as the NHL's free agency market opened, with other notable Finnish players also making moves. Erik Haula signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, and a trade between the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins involved two Finnish players, goalie Joonas Korpisalo moving to New York and forward Kalle Väisänen heading to Boston.