The Florida Panthers have secured a key piece of their championship roster, signing defenseman Niko Mikkola to an eight-year contract extension, as announced by general manager Bill Zito on Thursday.
While financial details were not disclosed, the deal, which begins in the 2026-27 season, highlights the team’s commitment to maintaining their defensive core as they chase a historic three-peat.
This move comes at a challenging time for the Panthers, who are without stars Matthew Tkachuk and captain Aleksander Barkov due to injuries.
Niko Mikkola’s form
At 29, Mikkola is coming off a career-best season, showcasing his value as a reliable two-way defenseman. In the previous season, he set personal NHL highs with six goals, 16 assists, and 22 points, along with a plus-12 rating. His 116 shots on goal and average ice time of 20:12 per game further highlight his growing role.
Mikkola led the Panthers with 137 hits and ranked second in blocked shots with 88, trailing only teammate Gustav Forsling. His physical presence, at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, combined with strong skating, made him an important part of the Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
Bill Zito on Niko Mikkola
“Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice,” Zito said in a statement.
“He was an indispensable piece of our past two championship campaigns, and we are thrilled that Niko will be continuing his career with the Florida Panthers,” he added.
Niko Mikkola’s importance to the Panthers
Niko Mikkola’s impact extended into the postseason, where he played a crucial role in the Florida Panthers’ championship runs. Over the past two seasons, he appeared in 46 playoff games, averaging 19:23 of ice time per game. His six points (three goals, three assists) in 22 playoff games last season included a memorable game-winning goal in Game 3 of the 2025 Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes
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