Florida Panthers, Defenseman Niko Mikkola Agree to 8-Year Extension
Niko Mikkola signed an eight-year, $40 million extension to remain a core defenseman for the Panthers through 2034, contributing to their back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.
- Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola agreed on Thursday to an eight-year, $40 million extension starting in the 2026-27 season after his 2025-26 final contract year.
- Panthers general manager Bill Zito said Niko has proven to be a dependable defenseman who uses speed and physicality, becoming indispensable in the back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
- At 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, Niko Mikkola pairs size with strong skating and led Florida defenders last year with 137 hits and 88 blocked shots.
- The extension means the Panthers would lock their top-four defensemen through at least 2030 and free resources to smooth negotiations with pending unrestricted free agent Sergei Bobrovsky.
- The Panthers' prospect pool lacks blue-chip players, and Mikkola would be 38 at deal expiry, influencing long-term roster planning.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Panthers D Niko Mikkola inks 8-year contract extension
Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola agreed to an eight-year contract extension on Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, but TSN reported the deal was worth $40 million. Mikkola would have become a free agent at the end of the season. He will play the final season of his three-year, $7.5 million contract with Florida in 2025-26 before the extension begins in the 2026-27 campaign. The 6-foot-6 Mikkola joins fellow defensem…
Panthers give defenseman Niko Mikkola an 8-year, $40 million extension
The Florida Panthers have agreed to an eight-year, $40 million contract extension with defenseman Niko Mikkola. The deal starts next season and keeps him with the team through 2033-34. Mikkola has been a key player for the Panthers, contributing to their past two Stanley Cup wins. He achieved career-highs in goals, assists and points last season. The Panthers have several players under long-term contracts, including Aleksander Barkov and Matthew…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium