Florida Panthers Sign Niko Mikkola to Eight-Year Contract

Sunrise, Florida — The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Niko Mikkola to an eight-year, $40 million contract, keeping him with the team through the 2034 season.

This announcement comes just days before the start of the NHL season. Mikkola’s new deal carries an average annual value of $5 million.

Last season, Mikkola recorded six goals and 16 assists for a total of 22 points while averaging 20:12 of ice time in 76 regular-season games. He also contributed significantly during the playoffs, playing 22 games and tallying three goals and three assists.

Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported early Thursday that the Panthers were close to finalizing the extension. “Hearing the Florida Panthers are locking in another key piece just days before the season,” Kaplan tweeted.

Mikkola, who joined the Panthers ahead of the 2023-24 season, has been an integral part of the team since. In his first season with Florida, he finished with three goals and 14 assists over 82 regular-season games while also scoring twice in the playoffs.

The Kiiminki, Finland, native has amassed a total of 62 points from 14 goals and 48 assists during his six-season NHL career. Mikkola was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

The Panthers are also adjusting to the absence of captain Aleksander Barkov, who is sidelined with knee injuries. Barkov is expected to miss 7-9 months after undergoing surgery.

The team aims to bolster its defense in light of these circumstances as they look to defend their back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.