Florida Panthers' Eetu Luostarinen was a difference maker in the 2024-25 post-season, posing a threat offensievly and defensively, but can that production carry into the 2025-26 regular season? Luostarinen recorded nine goals and 24 points in 80 regular-season games, but scored five goals and 19 points in 23 playoff games, nearly matching his production. His production was a surprise, but a graciously accepted revelation. Luostarinen plays a sound two-way game. His positioning in his end is great, and his long reach, thanks to his 6-foot-3 frame, helps him knock pucks off his opponents' sticks. Offensievly, Luostarinen won't blow you away with his skill, but has shown on multiple occasions that he has the hands and the instincts to make plays. Similarly to Niko Mikkola, who also had an offensive surge that came as a surprise [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/niko-mikkola-put-the-nhl-on-notice-during-the-playoffs-but-his-value-to-the-panthers-remains-underrated], the next step for the pair of Finns is to translate it over an 82-game span. In 2022-23, Luostarinen set a career high of 17 goals and 43 points, averaging 16:00 of ice time. The following two seasons witnessed him fall short of the 30-point mark, but there is a strong belief that he can work back to the 40-point mark. Eetu Luostarinen (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4387bfa9-230b-46eb-bc97-9e241049cc68.jpeg] Eetu Luostarinen (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) Anton Lundell has improved year-by-year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/can-florida-panthers-anton-lundell-take-the-next-step-if-one-really-doesn-t-exist], and the expectation is that they'll be paired together once again on the third line, joined by Brad Marchand [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/brad-marchand-looking-to-follow-in-jaromir-jagr-s-florida-panthers-footsteps]. Marchand played a pivotal role in the playoffs and helped both Lundell and Luostarinen take their offense to the next level. Marchand, who once recorded 100 points, should improve the offensive consistency of the third line. If the chemistry they showcased in the post-season transfers into the regular season, new personal bests for Lundell and Luostarinen aren't far-fetched.
