In a significant move solidifying their core roster, the Florida Panthers have sealed a six-year, $30 million contract with center Anton Lundell. The 22-year-old Finnish star was a restricted free agent, but the Panthers ensured his talents would remain in Florida for the foreseeable future.
Lundell has shown impressive growth since being drafted No. 12 overall by the Panthers in 2020. His performance last season was commendable, tallying 13 goals and 22 assists over 78 regular-season games. In the pressure cooker of the playoffs, Lundell stepped up even further, amassing 17 points in 24 games. His critical assist on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final set the tone for the Panthers' historic victory over the Edmonton Oilers. The 2-1 win clinched Florida's first franchise title, a milestone achievement.
Over his three seasons with the Panthers, Lundell has consistently demonstrated his versatility and skill. He has accumulated 43 goals and 69 assists across 216 games, earning him a solid reputation within the league. Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito praised Lundell's growth and contribution to the team, saying, "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."
Lundell's new contract comes with an annual cap hit of $5 million, a reasonable figure for a player of his caliber and potential. This extension is part of a broader strategy by the Panthers' management to maintain a stable and competitive roster. Key players such as captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling are all secured under contracts that run at least through the 2029-30 season. Additionally, the Panthers are retaining all eight of their leading scorers from the previous season, ensuring continuity and chemistry within the team's offensive unit.
The decision to lock in Lundell and other core players reflects the Panthers' commitment to building on their recent success. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars positions the team well to contend for further titles in the coming years. As Lundell continues to mature and hone his skills, he is expected to be an integral part of the Panthers' quest to remain at the pinnacle of the NHL.