Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad Suspended 20 Games for PED Violation

The NHL defenseman will miss the remainder of the regular season and part of the playoffs after failing a random drug test.

Aaron Ekblad, a top defenseman for the Florida Panthers, has been suspended for 20 games without pay for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
The suspension includes a mandatory referral for evaluation and possible treatment under the league's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program.
Ekblad stated that he unknowingly took a substance to aid injury recovery without consulting medical or team personnel and apologized to his team and fans.
With 18 regular-season games left, the suspension will extend into the Panthers' first-round playoff series, as the team leads the Atlantic Division standings.
Ekblad, 29, has spent his entire 11-year career with the Panthers, contributing to their Stanley Cup win in 2024, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.