The defenceman signed an eight-year contract extension with the Panthers, the team announced on Thursday. The deal will carry an average annual value of $5 million, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported.
“Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenceman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said in a 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.”
The extension will commence in the 2026-27 season.
Mikkola has been an important shutdown D-man for a Panthers team that has won back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Last season, the 29-year-old defenceman produced career highs in goals (6), assists (16), points (22) and plus-minus (plus-12). He also led all Panthers defencemen in hits (137) and ranked second on the team in blocked shots (88).
Mikkola then added three goals and three assists over 22 playoff games to help the Panthers capture a second straight Stanley Cup.
Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Mikkola has 62 career points over 328 regular-season games with the Panthers, Blues and New York Rangers.