The Panthers announced the signing of RFA heart Anton Lundell to a six-year deal. It’s reportedly a $5M cap hit for the 2024 Stanley Cup champion, per PuckPedia.
He wasn’t a major factor offensively in Florida’s 110-point campaign last year, recording 13 goals and 35 points in 78 games. But he’s been a possession monster during his time in the pros, consistently averaging over 15 minutes per game. With Lundell on the ice this season, the Panthers controlled 56.4% of shot attempts and 53.2% of expected goals, the latter being a respectable career-low.
Lundell’s playmaking exploded in the playoffs this season, though, tying for second on the team with 14 assists in 24 games. He added three goals for 17 points and had a +8 rating, the highest among Florida forwards, as he played a key depth role in helping the Panthers win their first championship in franchise history.
$5M annually is a decent chunk of change, though, especially for a player who projects to serve as their third-line center for quite a while. Captain Aleksander Barkov stays signed by means of 2030, and whereas Sam Bennett’s deal is up subsequent summer season, they’re already making significant progress on an extension. Lundell turns into their fourth highest-paid ahead subsequent season, solely behind Barkov, Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk.
That heart logjam will seemingly hold his minutes about the place they’re, limiting his potential for offensive development. However he’s nonetheless among the many finest third-line pivots within the league and sure nonetheless has a bit extra room to develop, making him a high-value wager within the 2C spot down the road if Bennett’s deal finally ends up being a short-term one.
Lundell, Barkov and Tkachuk will probably be UFAs upon expiry in 2030. His $30M complete worth makes it the most important RFA contract GM Invoice Zito has handed out whereas on the helm in Florida.