Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad Suspended for 20 Games Over Drug Violation

NEW YORK (March 10, 2025) — Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games without pay for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The suspension, announced by the National Hockey League on Monday, is in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and includes a mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.

Ekblad’s suspension means he will miss the remainder of the regular season, as the Panthers have 18 games remaining. He will also be ineligible for the first two games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The league indicated it would not provide further comments on the matter.

In a statement released following the announcement, Ekblad expressed remorse for his actions. “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,” he said.

Ekblad, a former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2014, has participated in 56 games this season, recording 33 points, including three goals. As one of the top defensemen for the Panthers, he leads the team in average time on ice per game.

<p“This is a hard lesson that I have learned,” Ekblad added. “I am committed to being fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over, and I cannot wait to be back with my teammates.”

Ekblad is notably the first NHL player to receive a suspension for violating the league’s substance program since Nate Schmidt in 2018. His absence will leave the Panthers shorthanded on defense as they prepare for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Panthers are scheduled to face off against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night, with the team now needing to adjust their lineup without their star defenseman.