Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad suspended 20 video games for violating NHL’s performance-enhancing drug coverage

Aaron Ekblad has performed for the Florida Panthers since 2014. (Picture by means of Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 video games for violating the NHL’s penformance editing medicine coverage, the league introduced Monday.In a observation launched during the NHLPA, Ekblad stated that it used to be “a surprise” that he had failed what he stated used to be a random drug take a look at. Ekblad added that he had taken “one thing to lend a hand me get well from fresh accidents” however had now not checked with the staff first.”I’ve let my teammates, the Panthers group and our nice lovers down. For that, I’m really sorry. I’ve authorized accountability for my mistake and shall be absolutely ready to go back to my staff when my suspension is over,” Ekblad stated within the observation. “I’ve discovered a difficult lesson and can not wait to be again with my teammates.”Neither Ekblad or the NHL clarified what the substance used to be.Ekblad is the primary NHL participant to be suspended for functionality editing medicine in just about seven years. The remaining time used to be in 2018, when Ekblad’s present Panthers teammate Nate Schmidt used to be suspended 20 video games for violating the coverage.The 29-year-old defenseman has performed for the Panthers since 2014, profitable the 2024 Stanley Cup with the staff. He has been a key a part of the Panthers this 12 months, incomes the fourth-most assists (30) at the staff this season.Ekblad neglected seven video games in January with an upper-body damage that used to be firstly now not disclosed by means of the staff. He returned to the lineup on Jan. 25.For the reason that there are 18 video games final within the common season, Ekblad’s suspension will most probably proceed into the postseason.Despite the fact that the remainder of the season is also trickier with out Ekblad, and with out the injured Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers are in an excellent spot for the playoffs already. Florida sits on the best of the Atlantic Department with some of the very best information within the league, and is about to make a protecting run on the Stanley Cup.