Panthers lock up another core member of their Stanley Cup roster

The Florida Panthers have announced a new eight year contract worth $5 million per season for defenseman Niko Mikkola.

“Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice,” said Pantherts GM Bill Zito in a prepared 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.”

Mikkola, 29, skated in 76 regular season games with Florida in the 2024-25 season, producing career-highs in goals (6), assists (16), points (22) and plus-minus rating (plus-12). He led all Florida blueliners with 137 hits. His 88 blocked shots in the regular season ranked second among Panthers skaters.

He's now under contract until age 37.