St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the Blues have signed defenseman Niko Mikkola (NEE-koh, MEE-koh-lah) to a two-year, entry-level contract. Mikkola was originally drafted by the Blues in the fifth round (127th overall) of the 2015 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft.
Mikkola, 22, spent last season with Tappara in Finland’s SM-liiga, posting 11 points (two goals, nine assists) and 54 penalty minutes in 50 regular season games. The 6’5, 198-pound defenseman also appeared in 16 playoff games, leading SM-liiga overall with a +9 rating and helping Tappara capture the Silver Medal. Overall, Mikkola has dressed in 171 career SM-liiga games, amassing 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) and 169 penalty minutes.
In international play, the Kiiminki native has represented Finland on several occasions, including the 2016 U-20 World Junior Championship, when he led the team to the Gold Medal.
