STEPPING OUT OF BARKOV’S SHADOW

Anton Lundell, an excellent two-way player from Finland, came into the league and was immediately given the nickname “Baby Barkov” in reference to Aleksander Barkov. The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs marked Lundell’s fourth postseason trip at just 23-years-old, and he stepped out of his fellow Finn’s shadow. Lundell doubled his career playoff goal scoring including the game-winner in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Second Round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I just completely forget how young he is,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “It kind of hits me in the face: He’s 23. He’s a veteran. He drives his own line.”