DRAFT: Anton Lundell Profile

As part of our Road to the Draft content series, NewJerseyDevils.com will be profiling the top North American and European Skaters eligible for the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft. This will allow Devils and hockey fans at large to familiarize themselves with the next class of NHL talent. We now take a look at HIFK forward, Anton Lundell.

AGE: 18

COUNTRY: Finland

HEIGHT: 6'1

WEIGHT: 185

POSITION: Center

SHOOTS: Left

DRAFT YEAR PRODUCTION: 44 GP, 10 G, 18 A, 28 P

WHAT'S THE BUZZ

"Mature two-way center with a very good understanding of the game. Playmaker who makes smart decisions in all three zones. Reliable, solid team player who is trusted by coaches."

-NHL Central Scouting

CUT TO THE CHASE

Whichever team picks Anton Lundell is getting a strong, reliable center who will be eager to contribute on the NHL level. Lundell is ranked as the third best European skater for this year's draft and has an extensive playing resume at just 18 years old. Over the last two seasons, Lundell has played for HIFK, a team in the Finnish Elite League. In the 2018-19 season, he had 19 points (9-10) in 38 games played. This season, he played 44 games for the club and had 28 points (10-18). The Finnish center averaged 15:49 of ice time this season for HIFK.

Lundell represented Finland on multiple occasions over the last four years at various international tournaments. He won a Gold medal at the 2019 World Junior Championship where he had 4 points (1-3) from the seven games he played. However, one of his most important points was an assist on the game-winning goal in the Gold Medal Game. Current NY Rangers player, and 2019 Draft 2nd-Overall Pick Kaapo Kakko scored that goal.

The season before, Lundell also won Gold for Finland at the 2018 Under-18 World Championship. During that tournament he had two goals, four assists for six points over seven games. That was Lundell's first major World Championship for Finland. He also played on the 2019 Under-18 World Championship team. Although the Finnish team was knocked out in the quarterfinals, Lundell had two goals and two assists over five games.

When discussing what he can bring to a team, Lundell discussed the offensive power he can bring to whatever franchise drafts him.

"I think I can play really good at every situation. I don't have like a bigger weakness in my game, that's something I think is my biggest strengths," said Anton on the NHL Draft Class podcast. "Of course, I can create good scoring chances and I create good offense at the same time."

After his season was shortened due to COVID-19, Lundell took time to rest before he resumed training. He is currently working out in a small group with different players from the Finnish league as well as some players from the NHL.

Lundell is a player that will bring a lot of consistency to the franchise that drafts him. He knows how to be impactful in multiple situations, and will bring a solid foundation from playing in the top professional league in Finland.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lundell's father Jan was a professional hockey player. Jan was a goaltender and played 17 seasons of pro hockey throughout Europe, including the Finnish Elite League. Lundell now coaches professionally and is the goaltending coach for HIFK.