Montreal Canadiens Eye Anton Lundell to Boost Roster for Next Season

As the Montreal Canadiens continue their battle for a playoff spot in the 2024-2025 NHL season, the team’s management is already looking ahead to the offseason. Whether or not they make the playoffs, it’s clear the Canadiens will be active in the trade market, aiming to strengthen their roster for the upcoming campaigns.

One intriguing possibility that has emerged is a potential trade that would see the Canadiens acquire center Anton Lundell from the Florida Panthers.

Why Anton Lundell?

Anton Lundell, a 21-year-old Finnish forward, has been a standout for the Panthers since being drafted 12th overall in 2020. Known for his strong two-way game, Lundell has already made an impact on both ends of the ice. With a blend of solid offensive production and a reliable defensive presence, he could be a perfect fit for the Canadiens’ needs.

Lundell’s ability to play in all situations—whether on the power play, penalty kill, or as a key contributor at even strength—would be an immediate asset for Montreal.

His vision, playmaking, and hockey IQ are traits that would bolster the Canadiens’ forward depth, particularly down the middle, where they have been searching for a reliable second-line center since the departure of Phillip Danault.

The Canadiens’ Needs

The Canadiens’ roster is still in a rebuilding phase, but they’ve made significant strides under general manager Kent Hughes. With young talents like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky leading the charge, Montreal has a promising core that could contend in the near future. However, the team still lacks a truly elite center to complement these players, and Lundell could be the answer.

Having shown his ability to play top-six minutes in Florida, Lundell would provide the Canadiens with a reliable center to anchor their middle six, ideally between two skilled wingers.

His presence would also allow Suzuki to remain in his role as the team’s top-line center, while also providing greater depth for head coach Martin St. Louis to work with.

What Would it Take to Acquire Lundell?

To make this deal happen, the Canadiens would likely need to part with valuable assets. The Panthers, who are still in contention for a playoff spot, would be hesitant to trade away a young, impactful player like Lundell unless they receive significant value in return.

The Canadiens could offer a mix of prospects and picks, potentially including someone like center Kirby Dach, who could fill a similar role in Florida.

Ultimately, acquiring Lundell would not only address Montreal’s immediate need at center but also position the team for a future playoff run.

The Canadiens are in an exciting phase of their rebuild, and adding a player like Lundell could accelerate their growth into a contender for years to come.