Biography

BIOGRAPHY

Niko Mikkola was born April 27, 1996, in Kiiminki, Finland. He is a defenseman in the NHL.

He made his Liiga debut playing with KalPa during the 2014–15 Liiga season. On May 29, 2017, despite interest from St. Louis to sign his entry-level deal, Mikkola opted to continue his professional career in the Liiga, signing a two-year deal with fellow Finnish outfit, Tappara.

By still harbouring NHL ambitions, Mikkola opted to attend the St. Louis Blues 2017 training camp in preparation for the 2017–18 season. He was assigned back to Tappara after competing in two pre-season contests with the Blues on September 25, 2017. In his only season with Tappara, Mikkola added 2 goals and 11 points in 50 regular season games before helping the club to a silver medal in the post-season, leading the league in plus-minus.

On June 1, 2018, Mikkola agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues.

During the 2019–20 season, on 7 January 2020, Mikkola made his NHL debut with the Blues against the San Jose Sharks.

Following his second full season with the Blues in 2021–22, Mikkola as a restricted free agent was signed to a one-year, $1.9 million contract extension on 17 July 2022.

On 9 February 2023, Mikkola, alongside Vladimir Tarasenko, was traded to the New York Rangers.