Mar 3, 2025; Dawn, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) strikes the puck in opposition to the Tampa Bay Lightning through the second interval at Amerant Financial institution Enviornment. Obligatory Credit score: Sam Navarro-Imagn Pictures The NHL suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad for 20 video games with out pay on Monday for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substances program.
“Beneath the phrases of the Collective Bargaining Settlement, the suspension is accompanied by necessary referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Well being for analysis and attainable remedy,” the league stated in a press release. “The Nationwide Hockey League could have no additional touch upon this matter.”
Ekblad, 29, launched a press release by means of the gamers’ union.
“The information that I had failed a random drug check was a shock,” Ekblad wrote. “In the end, I made a mistake by taking one thing to assist me get well from latest accidents with out first checking with correct medical and group personnel.
“I’ve let my teammates, the Panthers group and our nice followers down. For that, I’m really sorry. I’ve accepted duty for my mistake and might be totally ready to return to my group when my suspension is over. I’ve realized a tough lesson and can’t wait to be again with my teammates.”
There are 18 regular-season video games remaining for the Panthers, which implies Ekblad’s suspension will trigger him to overlook Florida’s first two video games of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Panthers (40-21-3, 83 factors) lead the Atlantic Division and are in prime place for a postseason berth.
Florida made Ekblad the No. 1 total decide within the 2014 NHL Draft, and he has spent his complete 11-year profession with the franchise. Accidents restricted him to 51 regular-season video games in 2023-24, however he suited up for all 24 playoff video games because the Panthers received the primary Stanley Cup in group historical past.
This season, Ekblad has performed in 56 video games and tallied 33 factors (three targets, 30 assists) whereas main the Panthers’ skaters in common time on ice (23:30). He has performed in 732 profession video games and amassed 118 targets and 262 assists, including 4 targets and 16 assists in 64 playoff appearances.
–Area Degree Media
