Fri 12 Jun 2026 - 6:45PM

JAAKKO NISKALA RETURNS TO THE PANTHERS

Finnish defenceman Jaakko Niskala will return to the Nottingham Panthers for the 2026-27 season.

The 27-year-old is back at the Motorpoint Arena after a season in Japan in the Asia League where he iced for Nikko Icebucks, scoring 15 points (3+12) in 40 games.

Niskala was one of the top defencemen in 2024-25 as Panthers won the Playoff Championship, beating Cardiff Devils 4-3 thanks to Mitch Fossier's goal in second overtime.

So dependable on the blueline, Niskala finished the season with a plus-minus of +29 and was a popular player on and off the ice.

Panthers Head Coach, Danny Stewart, said: "Jaakko immediately makes us better defensively.

"He consistently defends at an elite level and we always felt we played less defence when he’s on the ice.

"I think one of his biggest attributes is his ability to play the same way consistently. He knows his strengths as much as anybody.

"He’s mobile, he moves the puck well and, most of all, competes at a high level every night. He makes our d-core better."

Niskala has four years of experience in Finland's top division Liiga earlier in his career, icing in over 100 games and in the 2023-24 season, he played for French side Amiens.

"I am so thrilled to be coming back to the Panthers," said Niskala. "My year with the club two seasons ago produced some amazing memories that I will never forget.

"Winning the playoffs that season was magical and I was so pleased to see the club win two trophies last season.

"I want to be part of something special at the Panthers and it's exciting to be part of the club moving forward."

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