The NHL introduced Monday that Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 video games for violating the NHL/NHLPA’s Efficiency Enhancing Substances Program.
Per the NHL’s assertion, the suspension additionally consists of “necessary referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Well being for analysis and doable remedy.” In consequence, Ekblad will miss the rest of the 2024-25 common season and not less than two postseason video games, assuming he’s wholesome when Stanley Cup Playoffs start.
“Because the NHL introduced, I’ve been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Efficiency Enhancing Substances Program,” Ekblad stated in a press release. “The information that I had failed a random drug take a look at was a shock. Finally, I made a mistake by taking one thing to assist me get better from latest accidents with out first checking with correct medical and staff personnel.
“I’ve let my teammates, the Panthers group and our nice followers down. For that, I’m actually sorry. I’ve accepted accountability for my mistake and will probably be totally ready to return to my staff when my suspension is over. I’ve realized a tough lesson and can’t wait to be again with my teammates.”
This marks the primary suspension of Ekblad’s profession. Ekblad, who has spent his total 11-year profession with the Panthers, is slated to develop into an unrestricted free agent this summer season.
Ekblad, the No. 1 general choose within the 2014 NHL Draft, has tallied 380 factors (118 objectives, 262 assists) in 732 profession regular-season video games. The veteran blue-liner has recorded 33 factors (three objectives, 30 assists) in 56 video games this season.
The NHL hasn’t had many performance-enhancing drug suspensions through the years, however here is a have a look at NHL gamers that acquired bans for taking performance-enhancing medicine.
Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt acquired a 20-game suspension in 2018 when he was a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. Schmidt was suspended the opening 20 video games of the 2018-19 season for violating the phrases of the NHL/NHLPA’s Efficiency Enhancing Substances Program. Schmidt returned to the ice on Nov. 18 towards the Edmonton Oilers that season, and completed the yr with 30 factors (9 objectives, 21 assists) in 61 video games.
Shawn Horcoff
Former Anaheim Geese ahead Shawn Horcoff additionally acquired a 20-game suspension for violating the phrases of the NHL/NHLPA’s Efficiency Enhancing Substances Program on Jan. 26, 2016. Horcoff was referred to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Well being for remedy underneath the phrases of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Settlement. The veteran ahead, who had signed a one-year contract with the Geese within the 2015 offseason, returned to the lineup March 14 towards the New Jersey Devils. He completed the 2015-16 season with 15 factors (six objectives, 9 assists) in what ended up being his last NHL marketing campaign.
Sean Hill
Former New York Islanders defenseman Sean Hill acquired a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA’s Efficiency Enhancing Substances Program on April 20, 2007. The ban occurred within the midst of the Jap Convention opening-round collection towards the Buffalo Sabres. The NHL introduced the suspension after Sport 4 of the collection, which the Sabres gained in 5 video games. Hill’s suspension carried over to the 2007-08 season after touchdown with the Minnesota Wild within the offseason, and he made his return Nov. 21, 2007 towards the Vancouver Canucks. The 2007-08 marketing campaign was Hill’s last NHL season.
Carter Ashton
Ahead Carter Ashton, the twenty ninth choose within the 2009 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, acquired a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA’s Efficiency Enhancing Medication coverage on Nov. 6, 2014. In a press release by means of the NHLPA, Ashton claimed he ingested the drug Clenbuterol after utilizing a coaching companion’s inhaler to deal with his bronchial asthma. Ashton, who performed for the Toronto Maple Leafs on the time of the suspension, did not enchantment the ban. On Feb. 6, 2015, Ashton ended up being traded again to the Lightning earlier than pursuing a profession abroad in Russia and Sweden.
Zenon Konopka
Former Buffalo Sabres ahead Zenon Konopka receivved a 20-game suspension after testing optimistic for a banned substance on Might 15, 2014. The Sabres’ common season was already over on the time of the suspension as they did make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Zonopka’s contract expired July 1 of that season, which meant his suspension could not be served till he signed a brand new deal. Zonopka by no means ended up serving the suspension as he signed with STS Sanok in Poland, and that marked his last season {of professional} hockey.
