Challenges for the Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are facing significant challenges even before the puck drops on the new season. Recently, it was reported that left winger Matthew Tkachuk will be sidelined until December due to a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia.
This injury is just a part of the Panthers’ troubles, as news came over the weekend that their captain, Aleksander Barkov, sustained both MCL and ACL injuries during practice, which are expected to keep him out for an extended period, potentially seven to nine months.
Opportunity for Anton Lundell
With Barkov’s absence likely to extend throughout the regular season, young center Anton Lundell now has a prime opportunity to step up into the team’s top six. Lundell, who has made a name for himself since joining the Panthers in the 2021-22 season, has proven to be a reliable two-way player on the third line.
Last season, he achieved a career-high of 45 points in 79 games, averaging about 16 minutes and 43 seconds of ice time per game. Given the circumstances, it’s plausible that Lundell could see his point total climb even higher this year in an expanded role.
Looking Ahead
As various teams in the NHL often deal with injuries or trades that alter their lineups, this season may be a critical one for Lundell, positioning him to become a more central figure in Florida’s line-up than originally anticipated.
