As Panthers give Ryan Lomberg increased role, his goal is simple: ‘Don’t change who I am’
Ryan Lomberg’s production and value to the Florida Panthers can’t be fully defined by the stats next to his name. The 27-year-old winger likely falls under the radar on opposing scouting reports, especially when they have to worry about the likes of Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk among other high-scoring forwards.
But the Panthers see his value, and Lomberg has seized the opportunity that has presented to him.
He’s reaping the benefits now. After being on Florida’s fourth line for two-plus seasons, Lomberg has been promoted recently to a middle-six forward role alongside center Anton Lundell and fellow winger Sam Reinhart. That comes with a bump in ice time and an increase in responsibility that will continue as Florida (8-6-1) continues its five-game homestand when it hosts the Washington Capitals (7-8-2) on Tuesday at FLA Live Arena.
Above all, though, Lomberg is making sure that he stays true to his game — one that revolves around a gritty, tenacious pursuit to the puck and using his speed and physicality on both ends of the ice.
“The message has been don’t change who I am,” Lomberg said after practice Monday. “In the past, I’ve definitely had tendencies to change my game to play with new guys, but ultimately what I bring to the table is going to help them, so just kind of play the way I play and it’ll complement them.”
Lomberg has come a long way since the Panthers signed him ahead of the 2020-2021 offseason. He had played in just 11 career NHL games during two seasons with the Calgary Flames before that. His career highlights, as noted in the Panthers’ press release announcing his signing, were “registering one assist and 32 PIM [penalty ice minutes].”
While physicality is a key part of his game, and played a vital role as an enforcer and energizer on Florida’s fourth line during his tenure, he has also evolved as a playmaker. He logged 18 points — nine goals, nine assists — in 55 games last season, production that resulted in the Panthers giving him a two-year contract extension last November.
He has two goals and two assists this season.
“Perception is a funny thing, right?” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “We define players by what we think we see and then we almost limit them by that. He’s a skilled guy? Well, then he’s only a skilled guy. He’s a grinder? Well, he can only grind. ... I don’t think this was a huge elevation [for Lomberg]. His game dictated that he could play that style. He’s fast. He gets on the puck. He’s been really solid in his own end. He’s got a good set of hands.
“He can have that job for as long as he wants it.”
It’s the latest step in Lomberg’s development — one that is still a work in progress in the winger’s mind.
“It’s been a dream come true in a lot of ways,” Lomberg said. “Obviously, not satisfied. Got to keep going, keep working every day to keep pushing to get better.”
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