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Florida Panthers Defenseman Busted and Suspended Long-Term for Anti-Doping Violation

Originally posted on Maple Leafs Daily | By Mike Armenti | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 6:39 PM ET

The Florida Panthers have a massive hole to fill on their roster after top defenseman Aaron Ekblad was handed a long-term suspension for an anti-doping violation.

While the Florida Panthers swung big ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Seth Jones, Brad Marchand and Vitek Vanecek, it's looking like they'll have to overcome some adversity if they want to hold onto the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

Not only is Matthew Tkachuk sidelined with an injury through the remainder of the season, but now the Panthers will be without the services of Aaron Ekblad through the final 18 games of the season -- plus two playoff games.

The NHL announced on Friday in an official release that Ekblad has been using a banned substance, and therefore, has been suspended for 20 games.

'Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA 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.

The National Hockey League will have no further comment on this matter.'

Not exactly ideal for the Panthers, given the fact that they've built up a 4-point lead over the Maple Leafs and a 5-point lead over Tampa Bay for the top spot in the Atlantic.

Now, without their top winger and top defenseman, it opens the door for the Leafs to close some distance. The Leafs have one game in hand, which they'll play tonight in Utah.

This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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