In a move that solidifies their core for the foreseeable future, the Florida Panthers have secured center Anton Lundell with a six-year, $30 million contract. Lundell, a 22-year-old talent from Finland, was a restricted free agent before inking this deal, which carries a cap hit of $5 million annually.
Lundell's new contract comes after a season where he demonstrated his potential and value on multiple fronts. Over 78 regular-season games, he notched 13 goals and 22 assists, showcasing a solid offensive presence. His impact was even more pronounced in the playoffs, where he accumulated 17 points across 24 games. Notably, Lundell played a pivotal role in the Stanley Cup Final, assisting on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal in Game 7, which set the tone for the Panthers' historic 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. This win clinched the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup title.
Florida’s president of hockey operations and general manager, Bill Zito, shared his enthusiasm for Lundell’s progression and 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. 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 said.
Lundell’s journey with the Panthers began when he was drafted No. 12 overall in 2020. Over three seasons, he has accumulated an impressive tally of 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games, cementing his status as a vital contributor to the team’s success. His development into a reliable and versatile center has not gone unnoticed, both within the organization and by fans.
This contract extension positions Lundell alongside other key players who are set to remain with the team for the long haul. Captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling are all under contracts that extend at least through the 2029-30 season. The stability provided by securing these pivotal players is a strategic move by the Panthers, aiming to build on their recent success and maintain their competitive edge in the league.
Moreover, the Panthers are poised for continuity, returning all eight of their leading scorers from the past season. This consistency is expected to provide the foundation for another strong campaign as the team looks to defend their title.
As the Panthers continue to build for the future, they do so with the confidence that comes from having a young, talented core locked in for the coming years. Lundell’s extension is a testament to the team's faith in his abilities and the integral role he plays in their lineup. With a blend of experienced veterans and ascending young stars like Lundell, the Florida Panthers are well-positioned to chase further glory in the seasons ahead.