The Florida Panthers have made a significant commitment to their future by signing center Anton Lundell to a six-year, $30 million contract. Securing Lundell, who was previously a restricted free agent, indicates the Panthers’ confidence in his abilities and the role he will continue to play in the team’s success.
At just 22 years old, the Finnish-born Lundell has already proven himself a key player for the Panthers. Last season, he contributed 13 goals and 22 assists over 78 regular-season games, showcasing his capability as a consistent offensive presence. His impact extended into the postseason where he amassed 17 points in 24 playoff games, including a crucial assist on Carter Verhaeghe's opening goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. This performance helped the Panthers clinch their first franchise title with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
Drafted No. 12 overall in 2020 by the Panthers, Lundell's development has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Over three seasons with Florida, he has accumulated 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games. This steady progression solidified his reputation as a reliable and versatile center.
Bill Zito, the Panthers' president of hockey operations and general manager, expressed his confidence in Lundell's potential and contribution to 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."
Building for the Future
Lundell's new contract, which carries a cap hit of $5 million annually, ensures the Panthers maintain a solid core moving forward. This stability extends to other key players as well, with captain Aleksander Barkov, star winger Matthew Tkachuk, and defenseman Gustav Forsling all secured under contracts that last at least through the 2029-30 season. This long-term planning reflects the organization’s strategy to maintain competitiveness in the NHL for years to come.
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, they do so with the same core group that propelled them to success last year. All eight of their leading scorers are returning, providing a sense of continuity and camaraderie that will undoubtedly benefit the team’s pursuit of further achievements.
Lundell’s versatile playmaking ability and his defensive acumen have made him an indispensable part of the Panthers’ roster. His new contract is not just a reward for his past performances but an investment in his future contributions. As the Panthers look to build on their historic Stanley Cup victory, Lundell will undoubtedly be a central figure in their quest for continued greatness.
The commitment the Panthers have shown to their young center sends a clear message: they believe in the talent they’ve cultivated and are prepared to invest in the players who can deliver success. With Lundell locked in for the foreseeable future, Panthers fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.