Panthers sign F Eetu Luostarinen to 8-year deal

Forward Eetu Luostarinen signed an eight-year contract extension to remain with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, however TSN reported the deal was worth $40 million.

The extension begins in 2027-28 for Luostarinen, who has one season remaining on his three-year, $9 million contract.

"A key piece of our two Stanley Cups, I am thrilled that Eetu will continue his career with the Panthers," Florida general manager Bill Zito said. "A consummate professional who is committed to being a difference maker at both ends of the ice, his work at even strength and on the penalty kill is critical to our team success in South Florida."

Luostarinen, 27, recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 73 games this past season.

He has 162 points (61 goals, 101 assists) in 447 career games since being selected by the Panthers in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft.

Also on Wednesday, Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis agreed to a two-year contract extension. It also starts with the 2027-28 season.

"Sandis is a skilled, competitive young player whose positive attitude and strong work ethic have allowed him to succeed at every opportunity he has earned," Zito said. "He continues to take real strides in his game and we're proud that he has committed to a further two years in South Florida."

Vilmanis, 22, recorded five points (three goals, two assists) in 19 games last season with the Panthers.

--Field Level Media