Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell has continued to improve and is one of the NHL's better two-way centers, but he's almost stuck as a third-line center despite deserving a larger role.
Aleksander Barkov and Sam Bennett have given coach Paul Maurice zero reasons why they should receive less ice time; in fact, they probably should receive more, even if Lundell has continuously showcased he is ready for whatever the next step in his career is.
Lundell is one of, if not the best, third-line centers in the NHL and would be in the upper half of second-line centers if given the role. Throughout his four-year career, Lundell has never averaged more than 16:43 of ice time, which came in his most recent campaign.
The 23-year-old has scored 60 goals and 157 points in 290 career games, including 17 goals and a career-high 45 points in 79 games this past season. Lundell has every trait a coach can ask for. He has a solid 6-foot-1, 196-pound frame, coupled with strong skating mechanics, a high IQ, a relentless motor and an elite two-way game. Offensively, Lundell possesses great playmaking instincts and a more than capable shot.
Among players drafted in 2020, Lundell ranks seventh in goals, sixth in points and sixth in games played. One key difference is that each of those players has earned roles in the top six on their team, while Lundell hasn't, although it's not his fault and his sacrifice, so to speak, has helped him and the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Lundell has not indicated that he is upset with his role or feels undervalued, but it's only natural for players of Lundell's calibre to want more.
The 2025-26 season could be Lundell's best. He'll likely spend most of the season playing next to Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen, and he could easily eclipse the 20-goal and 50-point marks for the first time in his career. The former 12th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft still won't receive the power play time he may deserve or the offensive-zone draws he should garner, but Lundell plays an efficient game with zero holes that will allow him to continue to produce.
It'll be difficult to take that 'next step' offensively, but defensively, Lundell can continue to improve at both 5-on-5 and the penalty kill, and work his way into the Selke Trophy conversations.