The NHL canceled Florida Panthers defender Aaron Ekblad for 20 matches without pay on Monday for a violation of the league’s performance -enhancing subjects.
“According to the terms of the collective negotiation agreement, the suspension of mandatory referral is accompanied to the NHL/NHLPA program for abuse and behavioral health for evaluation and possible treatment,” said the league in a statement. “National Hockey League will have no further comment on this issue.”
Ekblad, 29, released a statement through the player’s union.
“The news that I had failed with a random drug test was a shock,” Ekblad wrote. “In the end, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from the latest injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel.
“I have let my teammates, the Panthers organization and our fantastic fans. Because I am really sorry. I have accepted the responsibility for my mistake and will be completely prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a difficult lesson and can not wait to be back with my teammates.”
There are 18 regular seasonal games left for Panthers, which means that Ekblad’s suspension will make him miss Florida’s first two matches in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Panthers (40-21-3, 83 points) lead the Atlantic division and are in an excellent position for a quay after the season.
Florida made Ekblad for the total election in the NHL draft 2014, and he has spent his entire 11-year career with the franchise. Injuries limited him to 51 games with regular season 2023-24, but he took care of all 24 playoffs when the Panthers won the first Stanley Cup in team history.
This season, Ekblad has played in 56 matches and spoke 33 points (three goals, 30 assists) while led Panthers riders on average time on ice (23:30). He has played in 732 career games and collected 118 goals and 262 assists and added four goals and 16 assists in the 64 playoffs.
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