The injury bug is feasting on the Florida Panthers.

Defenceman Niko Mikkola exited Saturday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres with what the team deemed an upper-body injury.

Less than five minutes into the second period, Mikkola and Sabres forward Tyson Kozak crashed into the boards awkwardly, with Mikkola appearing to also hit his face hard into the ice.

The 29-year-old Finn stayed lying down for a few moments, then was attended to by a trainer before heading down the tunnel to receive additional attention.

The team later announced ahead of the third period that Mikkola would not return. He ended up playing just 11 shifts for a total time of 6:53 on the ice.

Heading into Saturday’s matchup, Mikkola had yet to record a point in six games this season. In 2024-25, he posted 22 points (s

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