Mar 3, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) moves the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games for violating the terms of the NHL’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program.
The 29-year-old defenseman, who has produced 33 points this season, will miss the remainder of the regular season and the first two games of the playoffs.
This is a big loss as the Panthers, already missing Matthew Tkachuk, try to hold off the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning in the race for first place in the Atlantic Division.
Ekblad released the following statement:
