The NHL announced a 20-game suspension for Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad on Monday.
Ekblad will be suspended, without pay, due to violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
Aaron Ekblad (@FlaPanthers) suspended 20 games. https://t.co/UzXuwOMRpr pic.twitter.com/4pI8XY7TKv
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 10, 2025
Per the NHL, the suspension will be accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.
Ekblad, one of Florida’s alternate captains, has 33 points (3g, 30a) in 56 games this year for the Panthers. Shortly after the suspension announcement was made, he released a statement through the NHLPA.
“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program,” the statement reads. “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 down, 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.”
Ekblad suffered an “undisclosed injury” after blocking a Rickard Rakell shot in mid-January. He has missed eight total games for the Panthers this season.
The Panthers have 18 games remaining on their regular-season schedule, meaning Ekblad will also be suspended for the team’s first two playoff games. Florida currently sits first in the Atlantic Division, four points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ekblad had six points (1g, 5a) in 24 playoff games last year, helping the Panthers win the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup.
Here’s the NHL’s press release on the suspension:
Panthers’ Ekblad Suspended 20 Games
NEW YORK (March 10, 2025) – Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.
The National Hockey League will have no further comment on this matter.
