In a significant move to secure their talented young roster, the Florida Panthers have committed to center Anton Lundell with a six-year, $30 million contract extension. The 22-year-old Finnish player, who was a restricted free agent, has become an integral part of the Panthers' lineup since being drafted No. 12 overall in 2020.
A Rising Star
Anton Lundell's progression has been nothing short of impressive. Last season, he recorded 13 goals and 22 assists across 78 regular-season games, showcasing his offensive skills and consistency. His performance only improved during the playoffs, where he accumulated 17 points in 24 games and played a pivotal role in Florida's journey to their first franchise title with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. Notably, Lundell assisted on Carter Verhaeghe's crucial opening goal in Game 7 of the final, cementing his reputation as a dependable performer in high-stakes situations.
Securing the Core
With Lundell's extension, the Panthers are solidifying a core group of players that have been instrumental in their recent success. Key figures like captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling are already under contract through the 2029-30 season. Additionally, the team will be returning all eight of their leading scorers from the past season, ensuring continuity and stability as they aim to build on their championship win.
Lundell's Journey
Since stepping onto North American ice, Lundell has rapidly matured into a critical multirole center for the Panthers. Over his three seasons in Florida, he has amassed 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games, reflecting his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His development and impact have not gone unnoticed by the Panthers' leadership.
Praise from the Top
"Anton has matured into a dependable multirole center for our club, who seized his opportunity from his first day in North America," said Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito. "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."
Looking Forward
With a cap hit of $5 million annually, Lundell's new contract reflects his value to the team and the confidence the Panthers' management has in his future contributions. As the franchise basks in the glow of their first Stanley Cup victory, they are also clearly focused on sustaining their success by securing their talented young players. Lundell's extension is a testament to this strategy, and fans can look forward to witnessing his continued growth and impact on the ice.