Anton Lundmark’s brief spell in North America appears to be coming to an early end, as the Florida Panthers have placed the forward on waivers with the intention of terminating his contract. The move was first reported on Friday by respected NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, signaling that the organization has decided to part ways with the Swedish winger less than a year after signing him.
Lundmark joined the Panthers in April after agreeing to a one-year contract, a deal that was viewed at the time as a low-risk opportunity for both sides. The 23-year-old was expected to provide depth and potential upside, with the hope that he could develop into a useful contributor within the organization. However, his transition to North American professional hockey did not go as planned, and he spent the entirety of the season with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.
During his time in Charlotte, Lundmark struggled to make an offensive impact. He appeared in nine games for the Checkers but was unable to register a single point, a disappointing outcome for a player brought in to add skill and energy to the lineup. While small sample sizes can be misleading, the lack of production combined with limited opportunity ultimately led the Panthers to reassess his role within the organization.
Placing Lundmark on waivers for the purpose of contract termination is a clear indication that Florida does not see a path forward for the player at this stage. If he clears waivers, as expected, his contract will be officially dissolved, freeing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere. According to reports, Lundmark is likely to return to his native Sweden, where he would resume his career in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
A move back to Europe could benefit Lundmark, offering him a familiar environment and a chance to rebuild his confidence. The SHL has long been a strong developmental league, particularly for young Swedish players seeking consistent ice time and a prominent role. Returning home may allow Lundmark to rediscover the form that initially caught the attention of NHL scouts and led to his signing with Florida.
From the Panthers’ perspective, the decision aligns with a broader focus on roster efficiency and organizational depth. Florida continues to fine-tune both its NHL and AHL rosters, ensuring that development spots are occupied by players who fit their long-term plans. With limited AHL roster space and ongoing evaluations of younger prospects, moving on from Lundmark provides flexibility going forward.
While Lundmark’s stint with the Panthers organization was short-lived, his professional journey is far from over. Many players have found renewed success after returning to Europe following challenging experiences in North America. For Lundmark, the next chapter likely begins back in Sweden, where a fresh start could help him regain momentum and continue his development at a high level.
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