The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching, with the Florida Panthers lifting the 2025 Stanley Cup championship flag to the rafters against the Chicago Blackhawks. Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov will be out of the roster, while Anton Lundell will be in the spotlight.
The Panthers’ mid-lane depth consists of Bakov, Sam Bennett and Rendel. However, even if Bennett got a new eight-year, $64 million contract with an AAV of $8 million, how many people regard him as the number one center? Head coach Paul Morris is adjusting his roster accordingly, with Evan Rodriguez, a potential cap casualty who currently plays center. However, it is believed that Rendel may see top-line minutes at some point this season.
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Lundell, who was selected by the Panthers with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, found his place in the third line behind Bennett and Bakov. He took some time to get used to the NHL. Don’t forget that it was the new crown draft, and many young players lost their development time; however, some people believe that he can play as a second-tier center. That’s why the Panthers chose him.
His offensive ability has not been developed by the Panthers yet. Although last year you saw a glimpse of playing side by side with Brad Mashande and Etu Lostalinin in the playoffs. It’s the best lineup in the playoffs, not only for the Panthers, but for the league as a whole. They combined 57 points (21 goals and 36 assists).
Lundell scored 18 points (6 goals and 12 assists) in 23 playoff games. While some people may look at the numbers, you will see a player with more confidence in the hockey, rushing to the net, using his body more, and his passes are in place. Not to mention Lundell played a bigger role in the defensive area.
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Morris let him play in the defensive area draw. Lundell’s free throws were also longer. He will only get better. Last season, he scored 45 points (17 goals and 28 assists) in 79 games. Rendel scored just one goal short of 18 goals in the 2021-22 rookie record, but his total assists (26) were 2 more than his total assists (26) and 1 more than his total assists (44).
So the offensive talent is there; he just accepted to be the defensive center for the Panthers. But if Sam Bennett leaves through free agents, Bakov and Rendel will be in the middle. There’s a good chance you’ve seen his offensive talent, but considering Bakov’s absence this season, Anton Rendel is a player worth watching.
As Chris Peters said in the 2020 draft, “Rendall is one of the most mature and smartest players on the ice at this level. After all, he has two professional seasons, showing high-end vision and organizational skills while showing a commitment to defense.”
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Anton Rendel has offensive ability; we will see it this year. At present, Morris has adjusted the entire lineup of Lostalinin, Lundel and Marchon to avoid damaging their chemistry. However, as we saw last year, there may be a time this season where Rendel is at the top line with Sam Reinhardt and Carter Welheiger.
Similarly, the rosters on both sides are smooth, but according to Daily Faceoff, Reinhardt has stepped down to play with Rendel because of some chemistry between them. The point remains that Anton Rendel will be a big factor in the success of the Florida Panthers this season, despite the lack of two key spokes at the start of the season.
The Lundall has not yet performed the best, and the Panthers are working hard to keep their three consecutive championships.
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