The Florida Panthers have solidified a key piece of their future by locking in center Anton Lundell with a six-year, $30 million contract. This new deal, which carries an annual cap hit of $5 million, marks a significant commitment to the 22-year-old Finnish star, who has quickly become an integral part of the Panthers’ lineup.
Lundell, a restricted free agent, has shown remarkable growth and maturity since being drafted No. 12 overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Over three seasons in Florida, he has accumulated 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games. Last season alone, Lundell netted 13 goals and provided 22 assists over 78 regular-season games. His playoff performance was also notable, contributing 17 points in 24 games, including a crucial assist on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. This decisive play helped propel the Panthers to their first franchise title with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
"Anton has matured into a dependable multirole center for our club, who seized his opportunity from his first day in North America," praised Bill Zito, Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager. "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."
The new contract ensures that Lundell will remain a cornerstone of the team’s future alongside other key players, such as captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling, all of whom are secured under contracts lasting at least through the 2029-30 season. This strategic move aims to build on the momentum from their recent Stanley Cup victory and maintain the team’s competitive edge in the seasons to come.
With the return of all eight of their leading scorers from the past season, the Panthers are in a strong position to defend their title. Lundell’s contract not only rewards him for his past contributions but also underscores the franchise's belief in his potential to continue evolving into one of the league’s top centers. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations has already been demonstrated, and the Panthers are betting on even greater performances in the future.
As the Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, the organization and fans alike have high expectations for Lundell. His dedication to improvement and his tactical approach to the game bode well for his continued ascent within the NHL ranks. With Lundell secured for the long term, the Florida Panthers are poised to remain a formidable force, driven by a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars.