Maurice says Eetu Luostarinen belongs in the same category as Barkov.

The milestone came quietly, the way Luostarinen prefers it, but Maurice made sure the moment landed. Speaking after the game, the coach placed Luostarinen in the Aleksander Barkov category, calling him prototypical in how the Panthers want to play. That's not coach-speak. That's a blueprint.

Maurice acknowledged the league's obsession with points, and Florida understands it too. But his emphasis was role quality, trust, and execution. In that space, Maurice said Luostarinen is as good as any player on the roster, a statement that carries weight on a veteran-heavy contender.

Luostarinen, 26, has built his value the hard way. He kills penalties, closes gaps, supports defensemen, and still pushes pace through the neutral zone. He doesn't dominate headlines, but he stabilizes games, especially when Florida leans into tight, playoff-style hockey.

This season underscored his importance. A bizarre barbecue accident sidelined him briefly, yet his return coincided with Florida rediscovering structure. His presence made injuries elsewhere more manageable, allowing lines to slot into clearer roles without cheating for offense.

Tactically, he does the unglamorous work that lets stars breathe. He angles entries, wins inside body position, and exits cleanly. When Florida wants to shorten games, he's usually part of the answer. That's why Maurice drew the Barkov comparison, it's about habits, not flash.

The milestone also speaks to durability. Four hundred NHL games by 26 reflects reliability and growth. Drafted for tools, Luostarinen refined details, turning into a center coaches lean on when matchups tighten and whistles disappear.

Florida's recent surge has been about patience and process. Luostarinen fits that ethos perfectly. He plays the game the way the Panthers preach it, shift after shift, night after night.