Florida Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program the league announced Monday.
As a result of the suspension, Ekblad will miss the remainder of the regular season, plus two playoff games. The former number 1 overall draft pick issued the following statement shortly after the announcement:
“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program,” Ekblad said. “The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock. Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel.”
“I have let my teammates, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.”
The 29 year old has 33 points (3G, 30A), 53 PIMs, and a +11 rating across 56 games played this season. Ekblad is the first NHL player to be suspended for violating the league’s PED policy since Nate Schmidt in 2018.
Ekblad’s suspension comes with a mandatory referral for evaluation and possible treatment under a league and players union program for substance abuse and behavioural health. The longtime Panthers blue liner is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NHL campaign.
Photo: Jenn G. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.