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3w ago

Panthers Lock In Niko Mikkola With Eight-Year, $40 Million Extension

The move secures Florida's top-four defense through at least 2030 during a stretch of injuries to key forwards.

May 24, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) celebrates after a goal during the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 14, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (77) scores on this shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of game five of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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10/2/2025

Overview

  • The deal begins in 2026–27 and runs through 2033–34, with financial terms reported at $40 million ($5 million AAV) though not released by the team.
  • With Mikkola signed, Florida’s top four of Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones is under long-term control through at least 2030.
  • Mikkola was poised for unrestricted free agency next summer after a three-year, $7.5 million contract he signed in 2023.
  • A two-time Stanley Cup winner in Florida, he logged heavy minutes and scored the Game 3 winner in the 2025 Eastern Conference Final.
  • The commitment bolsters roster continuity as the Panthers start the season without injured stars Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk.