March 10, 2025 | 5:45pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

FLORIDA’S EKBLAD SUSPENDED 20 GAMES

Aaron Ekblad, defenceman

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, the NHL announced on Monday.

Ekblad, 29, is in the final year of an eight-year, $60 million contract. while his salary cap hit is $7.5 million, he is earning $4 million in actual salary this season, with an additional $3 million paid out at the start of the NHL calendar year as a signing bonus.

“Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment,” the NHL said in a statement.

In 56 games with the Panthers this season, Ekblad registered three goals and 30 assists for 33 points.

He will miss the team’s 18 remaining regular-season games and their first to playoff games.

“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program,” Ekblad said in a statement released by the NHLPA. “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, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.”