Ekblad suspended 20 games for performance-enhancing substance

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended 20 games for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program, the league announced Monday.

The suspension is accompanied by a mandatory referral for evaluation and possible treatment to the NHL/NHLPA program for substance abuse and behavioral health, as per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Ekblad released the following statement via the NHLPA:

"The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock," Ekblad said. "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."

With 18 contests remaining in Florida's regular season, Ekblad will be forced to miss the Panthers' first two playoff games.

The Panthers are also expected to be without Matthew Tkachuk down the stretch due to injury. It's also unclear when trade-deadline acquisition Brad Marchand will be able to return from his ailment.

Ekblad will leave a gaping hole on the right side of Florida's blue line, although the March 1 addition of Seth Jones should help mitigate his absence. Dmitry Kulikov projects to step back into a top-four role while Ekblad is out.

Ekblad is the first player to be suspended for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug program since Nate Schmidt in 2018.

The 29-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent.