# Stanley Cup champion suspended 20 games for violating NHL’s performance-enhancing drug policy

## Aaron Ekblad will miss the remainder of the regular season and the start of the playoffs



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Published March 11, 2025 2:42pm EDT

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The Florida Panthers were dealt a heavy blow in their pursuit of defending their Stanley Cup title after the league announced veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad would serve a 20-game suspension for violating the  on performance-enhancing substances.

Ekblad, 29, will serve his suspension, without pay, as  enter the final stretch of the regular season.

With just 18 games left on the schedule, Ekblad will miss at least the first two games of the playoffs.



"**<u>RON DESANTIS CHIRPS AT CANADA'S 'BOYCOTT' OF FLORIDA, COUNTRY'S STANLEY CUP DROUGHT</u>**"

Ekblad missed eight games in January with an upper body injury.

It was unclear what the source of the positive test result was.

Under the terms of the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, Ekblad was also issued a mandatory referral for evaluation and possible treatment.

Ekblad is the first player since 2018 to violate the league’s PED policy. Before his suspension, he had 33 points in 56 games.

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Ekblad is the first player since 2018 to violate the league’s PED policy. Before his suspension, he had 33 points in 56 games.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Paulina Dedaj is a  for Fox News Digital.
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