The Florida Panthers, winners of the Stanley Cup, re-signed forward Anton Lundell to a six-year contract extension on Wednesday. Although terms were not disclosed, reports suggest the deal is valued at $30 million, averaging $5 million per year, and will last until the 2029-30 season. Lundell, 22, tallied 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) with a plus-19 rating in 78 games during the 2023-24 regular season. In the playoffs, he contributed three goals and 14 assists in 24 games, leading the team with five assists in the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton. General manager Bill Zito praised Lundell as a reliable center who has excelled since arriving in North America, earning respect from teammates and coaches. Lundell, a first-round pick in 2020 (12th overall), has amassed 112 points (43 goals, 69 assists) and a plus-53 rating in 216 games.
Additionally, the Panthers signed free agent defenseman Nate Schmidt to a one-year contract worth $800,000. Schmidt, 32, reunites with Panthers coach Paul Maurice, having played under him with the Winnipeg Jets during the 2021-22 season. Zito described Schmidt as a veteran defenseman adept at moving the puck, expected to fit well with the team’s playstyle. Last season, Schmidt recorded two goals and 12 assists in 63 games with the Jets and has accumulated 220 points (47 goals, 173 assists) in 661 games with the Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, and Jets.
