The Florida Panthers have solidified their future by securing center Anton Lundell with a six-year, $30 million contract. This move ensures that the 22-year-old Finnish star, who has quickly become a reliable force for the Panthers, remains an integral part of their lineup.
The Panthers' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Bill Zito, expressed his enthusiasm about the new deal, praising Lundell's growth and dedication. "Anton has matured into a dependable multirole center for our club, who seized his opportunity from his first day in North America. 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," Zito remarked.
A Promising Start
Lundell, who was a restricted free agent, has demonstrated impressive skill since being drafted No. 12 overall in 2020 by the Panthers. Over the three seasons he has played in Florida, he has accumulated 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games, showcasing his offensive prowess and playmaking abilities.
Last season, Lundell scored 13 goals and recorded 22 assists over 78 regular-season games, contributing significantly to the Panthers' dynamic offense. His performance continued to shine in the playoffs, where he tallied 17 points in 24 games, including a critical assist on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Crowning Achievement
Lundell's contributions were vital in the Panthers' historic championship run, culminating in their first franchise title following a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. This victory marked a significant milestone for the Panthers and solidified Lundell's status as a rising star in the league.
With a $5 million annual cap hit, Lundell's new contract is a testament to his value and the trust the organization has in his future contributions. The deal is strategically aligned with the contracts of other key players like captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling, who are all secured through at least the 2029-30 season.
A Cohesive Core
The Panthers' management has ensured a stable and talented core group of players, with all eight of their leading scorers from the past season returning. This stability is expected to keep the team competitive and cohesive as they aim to build on their recent success.
Lundell's secured future with the Panthers reflects both his personal commitment to the sport and the team's dedication to maintaining a robust and competitive roster. The young center's blend of experience, skill, and potential promise to be instrumental as the Panthers continue to aspire toward excellence in the NHL.