Florida Panthers centre Anton Lundell made a triumphant return to the lineup on 04 February 2026, leading his team to a thrilling victory over the Boston Bruins after a three-game absence due to an upper-body injury.
The 24-year-old Finn proved why he is considered a cornerstone of the franchise, recording a goal and two assists in regulation before sealing the night with a successful attempt in the shootout. Head coach Paul Maurice offered high praise following the performance, suggesting that Lundell is a future captain of the team. Prior to his brief stint on the injured list, Lundell had been enjoying a productive 2025-26 campaign, currently sitting at 16 goals and 23 assists (39 points) through 53 appearances.
Current Contract & Financials
Lundell is currently in the second year of a long-term contract extension signed in July 2024. The deal reflects the team’s commitment to his development as an elite two-way centre.
| Contract Term | Total Value | Annual Average Value (AAV) | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Years | $30,000,000 CAD | $5,000,000 CAD | 2029-30 Season |
2025-26 Season Performance
Lundell has shown significant growth this season, building on a career-high 45-point performance in the previous year. His role has expanded due to various injuries across the Panthers’ roster, including recent absences of veterans like Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett.
- Games Played: 53
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 23
- Total Points: 39
- Recent Form: 3 points in his first game back from injury (vs. Boston).
The Panthers (29-24-3) continue to rely on Lundell’s defensive reliability and “cerebral” playstyle as they push for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division. His return provides a much-needed boost to a forward group that has struggled with consistency during a recent string of injuries.