Niko Mikkola registered an assist on a goal that briefly stretched Florida’s lead, but he’d been ejected earlier in the period, a wrinkle that led officials to ultimately wipe the goal from the books. His night underscored the chaotic, penalty-riddled nature of the clash.

Mikkola anchors Florida’s blueline with size, speed, and physicality; two-time Cup run contributor and Finland Olympian-in-waiting, whose extension signals a steady defensive core.

Mikkola signed an eight-year extension with Florida through 2034, after posting career highs in goals, assists, points, plus-minus, shots and ice time. He led the Panthers in hits and trailed Forsling in blocks, reinforcing a dependable, two-way presence on a Cup-contending blue line.

Mikkola anchors Florida’s blueline with size, speed and playoff experience; key contributor in Cup runs, 46 playoff games over two seasons and a pivotal late-game goal in the 2025 EC finals. His steady presence helps stabilize a defense that is core to the Panthers’ continued title contention.

Mikkola, as a Panthers defenseman, is part of the unfolding defensive depth scenario as the team copes with Barkov’s absence and other injuries, with leadership and defensive reliability under scrutiny.