Florida Panthers Near Long-Term Extension With Defenseman Niko Mikkola

The Florida Panthers are finalizing a long-term contract extension with defenseman Niko Mikkola, who has become a key part of their defensive core and contributed significantly to their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. The deal, expected to be announced soon, will secure Mikkola's presence on the team beyond the 2026-27 season, ensuring the Panthers maintain stability in their blue line alongside other long-term commits like Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad, and Seth Jones. Mikkola, known for his physical style and strong defensive play, has averaged over 20 minutes per game and played a crucial role in playoff success, including scoring a game-winning goal in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals. This extension underlines Florida's commitment to preserving its championship core as they pursue a third consecutive Stanley Cup, especially while dealing with injuries to stars Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. Mikkola's blend of physicality, consistency, and complementary playmaking fits well with Florida's fast-paced system, making him a valuable asset for their title defense and a likely candidate for Finland's 2026 Olympic team.