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.
Ekblad returned to the ice with teammates Thursday for the first time since March 10, when it was announced that he had failed a random drug test. The drug found in his system wasn’t disclosed.
The 20-game suspension for a first positive test is automatic under the terms of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. Players are typically required to stay away from their team until 10 days before the end of the ban, but in Ekblad’s case, that wasn’t cut-and-dried because he’s eligible to return to the lineup for Game 3 of Florida’s first-round playoff series — which hasn’t yet been scheduled.
In light of those unique circumstances, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to allow Ekblad to return to practice 10 days before the second night of the playoffs, deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Athletic.
There are no further restrictions on Ekblad’s participation with the team beyond remaining ineligible to play until he’s served all 20 games. That means the 29-year-old can now skate, travel and take part in meetings until his suspension ends.
“He can do whatever we want him to do,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters in Florida on Thursday. “He’s back with the group.”
At the time of his suspension, Ekblad said that he mistakenly ingested a banned substance while taking something designed to help his recovery from injury without first checking with the proper medical and team personnel.
He issued a public apology to his teammates, the organization and fans.
“I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over,” Ekblad said in a statement. “I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.”
The Panthers have struggled in his absence, taking a 5-8-1 record into Thursday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Ekblad played a team-leading 23:31 for the Panthers this season, putting up 33 points in 56 games. He’s appeared in 732 regular-season games for Florida since being drafted No. 1 in 2014 and is due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program carries stiffer penalties for each subsequent violation. A second positive test comes with an automatic 60-game suspension.
(Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)