The Florida Panthers have secured one of their key players, Anton Lundell, by signing him to a six-year, $30 million contract. This deal ensures that the Stanley Cup champions will have their top eight scorers from the previous season back in action to defend their title.
Lundell, a restricted free agent, had an impressive season with 13 goals and 22 assists in 78 games. He stepped up his game even further during the playoffs, contributing 17 points in 24 games, including an assist that helped set up Carter Verhaeghe’s crucial goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Panthers’ president of hockey operations and general manager, Bill Zito, praised Lundell for his growth and versatility on the ice. He highlighted Lundell’s commitment to improving his game and his ability to adapt to different roles within the team.
Having been drafted by the Panthers as the 12th overall pick in 2020, the 22-year-old Finnish center has already made his mark with 43 goals and 69 assists in 216 games. With his new contract, Lundell will have a cap hit of $5 million.
The Panthers now have a solid core of players locked in for the foreseeable future, including Lundell, captain Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Gustav Forsling, all signed through at least the 2029-30 season.
This move not only secures the team’s competitiveness for the upcoming seasons but also ensures continuity and stability within the roster. With Lundell’s signing, the Panthers are poised to build on their recent success and remain strong contenders in the NHL.