Isac Lundestrom, who was initially headed to arbitration, came to terms on a deal with the Anaheim Ducks before the arbitration date. That deal is a two-year contract worth $3.6 million, or $1.8 million per year.
Isac Lundestrom and ANA settle at two years, $1.8M AAV
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 25, 2022
Isac Lundestrom Re-Signs With Ducks
In his four-year career, Lundestrom has only played with the Anaheim Ducks. Getting drafted 23rd overall by the Ducks in the 2018 NHL entry draft, Anaheim is the only organization he has come to know. Last season, he recorded 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points across 80 games, along with eight penalty minutes.
In his career, Lundestrom has 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points across 151 games, to go along with 24 penalty minutes. Up until the 2020-21 season, Lundestrom was a tweener, coming up and down from the AHL to the NHL, following his time overseas in Sweden.
Let’s hear it for the underdog!
Lundestrom’s one-time tally, a 10-seed, is moving on in our Play of the Year Tournament!
The final matchup in the first round of our tournament comes later this afternoon. Be ready. pic.twitter.com/QlKxhCQREy
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) August 18, 2020
What This Means For The Future
The 22-year-old Lundestrom still has potential as a former first-round pick. He is coming off his best season as a pro, and his first full season as well. He nearly eclipsed the 20-goal mark last season. The Ducks may have just gotten a bargain of a deal with their young forward. With the roster fairly wide-open, this short-term contract gives Lundestrom time to fight for a top-line role and expand on future salary on his next contract.
There is a youth movement in Anaheim up-front, led by Trevor Zegras. Lundestrom, most likely sticking as a full-time NHLer for the remainder of this deal, is another young face on the roster. Maxime Comtois, Troy Terry and Max Jones are other players under the age of 24. They are also carving out roles as well. Mason McTavish, who was drafted third overall in 2021, is likely going to make the NHL full-time as well. That’s after his nine-game cup of coffee last season. The deal between Lundestrom and the Ducks is one that can’t really go wrong. If it works, he extends and becomes a big part of the team. If it does not work, they spent less than $2 million. They can let him walk when he hits restricted free agency in 2024.
