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6mo ago

Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad Suspended 20 Games for PED Violation

The defenseman accepted responsibility for failing a random drug test and will miss the remainder of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.

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Mar 3, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) moves the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) skates with the puck as Calgary Flames left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (10) defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Overview

  • Aaron Ekblad, a key defenseman for the Florida Panthers, has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
  • Ekblad admitted to taking a substance to aid recovery from injuries without consulting medical or team personnel and expressed regret in a public statement.
  • The suspension will sideline Ekblad for the Panthers' final 18 regular-season games and at least the first two playoff games, pending their progression.
  • This is the first PED-related suspension in the NHL since 2018, highlighting the rarity of such violations in the league.
  • Ekblad is in the final year of his eight-year contract, and his future with the Panthers is uncertain as the team recently acquired defenseman Seth Jones, potentially signaling a shift in roster strategy.