The Florida Panthers have secured the long-term future of defenseman Niko Mikola, agreeing to an eight-year, $40 million contract extension, TSN reports.
Mikola will play the upcoming season under the terms of his current deal, worth $7.5 million, before the new contract kicks in from 2026-27 forward.
The agreement ensures the 29-year-old remains in Florida through at least 2034, continuing a core that already includes Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones — all of whom have recently signed extensions running until 2030 or beyond.
Niko Mikkola has signed an 8-year, $40M ($5M AAV) extension with the Panthers.
The Big Condor staying in Florida 🌴 pic.twitter.com/3XvqZrFs9j
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 2, 2025
“Niko has proven himself as a defenseman. He skillfully uses his speed to have an impact on the game at both ends of the ice. Niko has been an integral part of consecutive championship teams and we are pleased to have him stay in Florida,” general manager Bill Zito said in a statement.
Mikola contributed six goals and 16 assists in 76 games last season, adding 88 blocked shots to his defensive tally.