The NHL suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad for 20 video games with out pay on Monday for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substances program.
“Beneath the phrases of the Collective Bargaining Settlement, the suspension is accompanied by necessary referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Well being for analysis and attainable remedy,” the league mentioned in an announcement. “The Nationwide Hockey League could have no additional touch upon this matter.”
Ekblad, 29, launched an announcement by the gamers’ union.
“The information that I had failed a random drug take a look at was a shock,” Ekblad wrote. “In the end, I made a mistake by taking one thing to assist me get better from latest accidents with out first checking with correct medical and crew personnel.
“I’ve let my teammates, the Panthers group and our nice followers down. For that, I’m actually sorry. I’ve accepted accountability for my mistake and might be absolutely ready to return to my crew when my suspension is over. I’ve discovered a tough lesson and can’t wait to be again with my teammates.”
There are 18 regular-season video games remaining for the Panthers, which implies Ekblad’s suspension will trigger him to overlook Florida’s first two video games of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Panthers (40-21-3, 83 factors) lead the Atlantic Division and are in prime place for a postseason berth.
Florida made Ekblad the No. 1 total choose within the 2014 NHL Draft, and he has spent his total 11-year profession with the franchise. Accidents restricted him to 51 regular-season video games in 2023-24, however he suited up for all 24 playoff video games because the Panthers received the primary Stanley Cup in crew historical past.
This season, Ekblad has performed in 56 video games and tallied 33 factors (three objectives, 30 assists) whereas main the Panthers’ skaters in common time on ice (23:30). He has performed in 732 profession video games and amassed 118 objectives and 262 assists, including 4 objectives and 16 assists in 64 playoff appearances.
–Discipline Degree Media