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Kent Hughes, Montreal Canadiens general manager (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

NHL Rumors: Ekblad, Panthers, Toews, Canadiens, Avalanche

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 3:44 PM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games by the NHL for a violation of their substance abuse program. What happened? Meanwhile, Jonathan Toews is prepared to make his NHL comeback. Where will he land next season? The Montreal Canadiens should be busy at this year’s NHL Draft. Finally, did the Colorado Avalanche really trade Mikko Rantanen over a $400K dispute?

Ekblad Suspended for 20 Games

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended 20 games without pay for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Admitting he unintentionally took a substance while trying to heal from an injury, Ekblad said he accepts the findings and has apologized to fans and his teammates.

The NHL released the following statement:

“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.”

Jonathan Toews Serious About NHL Comeback

Former NHL star Jonathan Toews seems serious about making an NHL comeback. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Toews explained:

“I’m not satisfied the way things ended in Chicago. It’s not about proving anything. It’s just that there’s something left in the tank and I want to explore that. I want to go have fun, have a blast, play with passion. But at the same time, I still have some high-level hockey left. I want to be able to step away from the game having said that I’ve given it my all. And I still think there’s something left to give.”
source – ‘Jonathan Toews is serious about his NHL comeback attempt: ‘There’s something left in the tank’’ – Mark Lazerus – The Athletic – 03/10/2025

Toews said everyone assumed he retired when he took time away from the game. He didn’t. Now that he misses hockey and wants to give it one more run, he doesn’t know where he’ll go and what teams he’ll look at. It won’t be the Blackhawks, but several options could be on his radar.

Canadiens Expected to Be Active at NHL Draft After Quiet Trade Deadline

The Montreal Canadiens took a reserved approach at the NHL trade deadline, opting not to force moves that didn’t meet their asking price. Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, speaking on TSN Radio in Montreal, explained that while the Canadiens explored options for veterans like David Savard and Joel Armia, nothing materialized.

He then says he expects the Canadiens will be busy at the NHL Draft.

Pagnotta noted that the Canadiens chose to play meaningful hockey games to end the season, even though they understand they aren’t Cup contenders. Instead of trading players like Christian Dvorak for a minimal return, Montreal’s management felt it best to utilize the player.

Pagnotta expects the Canadiens to be much more aggressive in June. General manager Kent Hughes has a track record of making significant trades at past drafts, including acquiring Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

Insider Claims Rantanen Traded Over $400K

A report from Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff suggests that Mikko Rantanen dropped his contract ask by $2 million in negotiations with the Colorado Avalanche before the team traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes. Seravalli explained:

“He said to them, ‘You know what, I know we’ve been asking for 14 but if we could get to 12, that’ll get the deal done’. And I was told he was traded the next day.”

Interestingly, it was the exact opposite situation in Carolina. Rantanen wanted to stay with the Avs, but he had no interest in playing for the Hurricanes. Rod Brind’Amour said while speaking on the 999TheFan that Rantanen told him, “There are four teams I’ll go play for, and you’re not one of them.” He then acknowledged, “The better question is, should we have known that” before they traded for him?”