Panthers Secure Anton Lundell with Six-Year Deal
The Florida Panthers have ensured that one of their rising stars will remain with the team for the foreseeable future by signing center Anton Lundell to a six-year, $30 million contract. Lundell, a restricted free agent, has proven his value to the Panthers since being drafted No. 12 overall in 2020.
Young Talent from Finland
At just 22 years old, the Finnish-born Lundell has already demonstrated both skill and promise. In the most recent season, he tallied 13 goals and 22 assists over 78 regular-season games. His performance in the playoffs was equally impressive, with 17 points accumulated across 24 games. One of his notable contributions came during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, where he assisted on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal, setting the stage for the Panthers' 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers and securing their first franchise title.
Over his three seasons with Florida, Lundell has registered a total of 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games. As he continues to mature and develop, both the team and fans are excited to see how his career will unfold.
Commitment to Team Development
Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito expressed his confidence in Lundell’s 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,” said Zito.
Lundell's new contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $5 million, reflects the organization’s belief in his potential and importance to the team’s future. This sentiment is echoed in the club’s strategic retention of key players. Captain Aleksander Barkov, star forward Matthew Tkachuk, and defensive stalwart Gustav Forsling are all secured under contracts that will last at least through the 2029-30 season.
Looking Forward with a Strong Roster
The Panthers are setting themselves up for sustained success by maintaining a core group of players who have proven themselves on the ice. In fact, all eight of their leading scorers from the past season are set to return. This continuity bodes well for the team as they aim to build on their recent success and strive for further accolades.
Lundell’s new deal not only solidifies his place on the roster but also ensures that the Panthers will have a talented, young center to build around for years to come. His growth as a player and his dedication to the team exemplify the culture that Florida is fostering—one where talent is nurtured, and success is a product of collective effort.
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will undoubtedly be on retaining their competitive edge and further developing the synergy within their roster. With Anton Lundell locked in for six more years, Florida’s future looks bright, and their sights are firmly set on continuing their winning ways.