Panthers' Aaron Ekblad Suspended 20 Games by NHL for Violating Substance Program

The Florida Panthers will be without one of their defenseman for a significant portion of the season.

The NHL announced Monday that it has suspended Aaron Ekblad for 20 games for violating the league's Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

"Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment," a statement from the NHL read.

In a statement, Ekblad said he was "shocked" to find out he had failed a random drug test.

“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program," Ekblad said. "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, 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 missed a stretch of games in January due to an upper-body injury, though it's unclear if he used the substance to treat that injury or a different one.

The 11-year veteran and career Panther has appeared in 56 games this year, notching three goals and 30 assists. Florida has 18 games left in the regular season, meaning Ekblad won't suit up for the Panthers again before the playoffs.

The Panthers are currently sitting at the top of the Atlantic Division at 40-21-3 as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title from a year ago.