The Panthers will lack a big piece of your blue line till the top of the season.
Defender Aaron Ekblad acquired a 20 -game suspension of NHL on Monday to “violate the phrases of this system to enhance the effectivity of NHL/NHLPA”.
Ekblad won’t be paid throughout the length of its suspension and its prohibition is accompanied by a obligatory focusing on to the joint program between NHL and the NHL Gamers Affiliation for the abuse of drugs and behavioral well being for analysis and potential remedy, NHL mentioned.
In an announcement by Ekblad, revealed by NHLPA, he mentioned it was a “shock” that he failed in an off-the-cuff drug check, however finally took accountability for the error that precipitated it.
“As NHL adverts, I used to be stopped for violating the NHL/NHLPA efficiency program. The information that I failed on a random drug check was a shock. Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking one thing to assist me get better from current accidents with out first checking with applicable medical and crew workers, “he mentioned. “I left my teammates, the panther group and our nice followers. That is why I am actually sorry. I accepted accountability for my mistake and I can be utterly able to return to my crew when my cease is over. I discovered a troublesome lesson and I am unable to wait to get again with my teammates. “
Monday was the primary time the NHL stopped taking part in a PED violation participant within the September 2018 league, when the then Daring Nights defender Nate Schmidt was banned for a similar situation.
In a wierd twist, Schmidt is at the moment a teammate of Ekblad in Florida.
However not like the eklbad, Schmidt didn’t settle for a slight suspension, saying in a statement at that time that he “disagreed with the suspension” and “wouldn’t settle for that he was labeled as a fraudster.”
Ekblad appeared in 56 video games this season for the Panthers, posting 30 factors (3 g, 30 A). He helped Florida to the Stanley Cup final season.
Ekblad has been within the final 12 months of its eight -year contract and is outlined as a free agent on this upcoming out -of -season.
