Anton Lundell Secures Six-Year Deal with the Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers have secured their promising young center, Anton Lundell, with a six-year, $30 million contract. The 22-year-old Finn, who was a restricted free agent, is now set to remain a cornerstone of the Panthers’ lineup for the foreseeable future.
Having been drafted No. 12 overall by the Panthers in 2020, Lundell’s progression has been closely watched. Over his three seasons in Florida, he has scored 43 goals and contributed 69 assists in 216 regular games. Last season, he netted 13 goals and tallied 22 assists across 78 regular-season games, demonstrating his consistent ability to impact the scoreboard. His performance was equally impressive in the playoffs, where he accumulated 17 points in 24 games, bolstering the Panthers' successful run to their first franchise title.
Playoff Prowess
Lundell’s playoff contributions were particularly noteworthy. He assisted on Carter Verhaeghe’s opening goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, a pivotal moment that helped the Panthers clinch their inaugural championship with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Such performances have underscored Lundell’s capability to deliver under pressure and his developing role as a multirole center.
Future Foundation
Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito lauded Lundell’s development and expressed high hopes for his future with the team. "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."
Lundell's $5 million annual cap hit signifies the Panthers' commitment to retaining their core talent. This deal ensures that Lundell remains a significant piece in a lineup that is poised to remain competitive for years to come. Key players like captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling have contracts that last at least through the 2029-30 season, securing the team’s foundation.
Continuity and Growth
Adding to the stability, the Panthers are returning all eight of their leading scorers from the past season. This continuity is critical as the team looks to build on its recent success and maintain its status as a formidable contender in the NHL.
As Lundell continues to mature and expand his role within the team, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how he contributes to the Panthers' future aspirations. For now, his secured contract not only underscores his value to the franchise but also symbolizes the team's confidence in his ability to help lead them to further success.