Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program terms

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended 20 games for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program. The suspension comes with a mandatory referral to the program for substance abuse and behavioral health, where Ekblad will undergo evaluation and possible treatment. Ekblad's statement was released shortly after the suspension was announced.


Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the NHL and NHL Players' Association's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Ekblad apologized for failing a random drug test and expressed shock at the news.
“The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock," Ekblad said. "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."
Ekblad, 29, missed eight of nine games due to an injury in January. With 18 games left in the regular season, he will miss the first two playoff games before returning. Florida's No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, Ekblad, has played his entire career with the Panthers. The team acquired Seth Jones before the trade deadline, but it was unclear when they learned about Ekblad's positive test result.

The collective bargaining agreement stipulates that a player's first positive test results in a 20-game suspension, followed by a 60-game suspension and a lifetime ban. Ekblad has become the first NHL player to be suspended for violating the league's PED policy since Nate Schmidt in 2018, who is now with Vegas. His suspension comes with a mandatory referral for evaluation and possible treatment under a league and players union program for substance abuse and behavioral health.
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This is the league's first PED-related suspension since Nate Schmidt, then with the Vegas Golden Knights -- received a 20-game ban.