Aaron Ekblad Releases Statement After 20-Game Suspension
Photo credit: NBC 6 Florida
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games after a violation of the League's performance enhancing drug program.
The NHL has suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad for 20 games due to a violation of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
Ekblad won't be paid during his suspension, meaning he'll be forfeiting a considerable sum of money.
Ekblad has since reacted to the suspension with the following prepared statement:
As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. 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. 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.
I have let my teammates down, 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.
Ekblad has 33 points (3G, 30A) with a +11 rating in 56 games this year. He had 6 points (1G, 5A) in 24 postseason games last spring as the Panthers ultimately won the Stanley Cup.
Ekblad, the 1st overall pick by Florida in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, will miss the remainder of the Panthers' regular season schedule and the first pair of games of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs before he's allowed to return.
Playing in the last year of his current deal, Ekblad can become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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