NEW YORK — Aaron Ekblad, defenseman for the Florida Panthers, has been handed a 20-game suspension without pay following a violation of the NHL and NHL Players Association’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. This announcement was made by the league on Monday.
As part of the disciplinary action, Ekblad will undergo a mandatory evaluation and face potential treatment under a joint program by the league and players union, targeting substance abuse and behavioral health. This program underscores the NHL’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its players beyond just rule enforcement.
With the Florida Panthers currently in the fight to defend their Stanley Cup title, Ekblad’s absence could pose challenges; the team has 18 remaining games in their regular season schedule. It remains uncertain if Ekblad’s suspension will extend beyond these 18 games, potentially affecting playoff participation or crossing into the 2025-2026 season.
Drafted first overall in 2014, Ekblad has been a significant presence on Florida’s defense throughout his entire career, marking a highly notable career trajectory since his entry into the league.
