Panthers Make Major Announcement Regarding Suspended Defenseman

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 4:31 PM ET

The Florida Panthers were dealt a blow midway through the 2024-25 campaign when veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games after he violated the league's performance enhancing drug policy. With just four games left in the regular season, though, the team has received some good news on Ekblad.

The suspension for Ekblad was announced back on March 10, and while he initially said it was a mistake, he later issued an apology to his teammates and the Panthers. He has since missed Florida's ensuing 14 games, with the team losing nine of those contests as they crawl into the postseason.

While the absence of Matthew Tkachuk has obviously been prominent, being without Ekblad on the blue line has hurt as well. He had been enjoying a strong bounce-back campaign, racking up three goals and 30 assists over 56 games for the Panthers after totaling just 18 points in 51 games during their Stanley Cup campaign.

With the postseason right around the corner, the Panthers are hoping to get back to their winning ways soon, and a return to full strength figures to help them. That starts with getting Ekblad back from this suspension, as he has been cleared to resume team activities as he begins ramping back up in preparation for his return to action.

"Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been cleared to resume team activities in anticipation of his return from a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program," Chris Johnston of The Athletic reported on Thursday afternoon.

Florida has posted a 45-29-4 record in the wake of winning the Stanley Cup last season, which is good for 94 points. They will return to the ice on Thursday night when they take on the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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