In an emphatic show of commitment to their young core, the Florida Panthers have secured the services of promising center Anton Lundell, announcing a six-year, $30 million deal. The 22-year-old Finnish player, who was a restricted free agent, has quickly become a pivotal figure for the franchise since being drafted No. 12 overall in 2020.
Lundell’s new contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $5 million, is a testament to his growing influence on the ice. Over three seasons with the Panthers, he has racked up impressive numbers, scoring 43 goals and registering 69 assists across 216 games. Last season alone, he notched 13 goals and 22 assists in 78 regular-season games, reinforcing his role as a dynamic offensive contributor. His postseason performance was equally commendable, with Lundell accumulating 17 points in 24 playoff games, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.
Playoff Prowess
Lundell’s impact was particularly felt during the Panthers' historic Stanley Cup-winning run. He played a crucial role in key moments, including assisting on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal in the decisive Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers clinched their first franchise title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, a moment that will be etched in the memories of Florida fans for years to come.
Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito praised Lundell's contribution and his evolving game. "Anton has matured into a dependable multirole center for our club, who seized his opportunity from his first day in North America," Zito said. "His commitment to improvement and cerebral approach to the game earned him the profound respect of his teammates and coaches, and we are excited to see him continue to grow and succeed with the Panthers."
Building for the Future
Lundell’s signing is part of a broader strategy by the Panthers to maintain the core of their competitive roster for the future. Key players such as captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling are all secured under contracts that extend at least through the 2029-30 season. This long-term approach reflects the franchise's confidence in its current lineup and its desire to build on recent successes.
In fact, the retention of all eight of their leading scorers from the past season positions the Panthers strongly as they aim to defend their title. Lundell, with his versatility and ability to affect the game in multiple ways, is seen as a cornerstone of this sustained excellence.
As the Panthers look to the upcoming season, it's clear that they are building a team that is not only poised for immediate success but also for the long haul. Lundell's versatility and steady development make him a valuable asset in these endeavors, helping to ensure that Florida remains a formidable force in the NHL.
With the ink dry on this new contract, Anton Lundell is set to continue his ascent as a key player for the Florida Panthers, aiming to add to his already impressive resume and to firmly establish himself as one of the premier centers in the league. As he continues to grow and refine his game, the Panthers organization and their fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from this emerging star.