‘I made a mistake’: Panthers’ Ekblad suspended 20 games for violating league’s PED policy
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been dealt a major blow as he was suspended for 20 games without pay for violating the NHL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. This suspension will keep Ekblad off the ice for the defending Stanley Cup champions’ crucial stretch run and the start of the playoffs.
In a statement released through the NHL Players’ Association, Ekblad expressed shock at the news of his failed drug test and issued an apology for his mistake. He admitted to taking a substance to aid in his recovery from recent injuries without consulting the proper medical and team personnel beforehand. Ekblad acknowledged the disappointment he has caused his teammates, the Panthers organization, and the fans, and expressed his eagerness to return to the team once his suspension is over.
The 29-year-old defenseman had already missed eight of nine games earlier in the season due to an undisclosed upper-body injury. With 18 games remaining in the regular season, Ekblad will also miss the first two games of the first round of the playoffs before becoming eligible to return to the lineup.
As the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft, Ekblad has been a staple of the Panthers’ defense throughout his career, including their historic Stanley Cup victory. Prior to the trade deadline, the Panthers acquired Seth Jones, another right-shooting defenseman, though it remains unclear when the team became aware of Ekblad’s positive test result and subsequent suspension.
Ekblad’s suspension marks the first time a player has been penalized for violating the NHL’s PED policy since Nate Schmidt in 2018. Schmidt, who was unable to participate in exhibition games and the first 20 regular-season games, was playing for the Vegas Golden Knights at the time and is now Ekblad’s teammate on the Panthers.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, a player’s first positive test results in a 20-game suspension, with subsequent violations leading to longer suspensions or even a lifetime ban. In addition to the suspension, Ekblad is required to undergo evaluation and potential treatment as part of a league and player union program for substance abuse and behavioral health.
The Panthers have yet to comment on Ekblad’s suspension, and the NHL has stated that there will be no further remarks beyond the initial announcement. Despite the setback, Ekblad’s readiness to accept responsibility for his actions and his commitment to returning to the team demonstrate his determination to learn from this experience and move forward.
