BREAKING: Aaron Ekblad Handed Massive Suspension for PED Use

In a stunning turn of events for the Florida Panthers, top defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games by the NHL for violating the terms of the league's performance-enhancing substance program.

The pending UFA is the first NHL player since Nate Schmidt nearly seven years ago to receive a suspension for violating the league's PED program.

The Panthers will now be without Ekblad, Matthew Tkachuk and newcomer Brad Marchand, all pretty much until the playoffs. With 18 games remaining in the regular season, Ekblad will also miss the first two games of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The NHL's statement on the Ekblad punishment says that “the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.”

Ekblad has already released a statement saying he will not appeal the NHL's decision.

Ekblad says he was shocked by the failed drug test, and that he mistakenly took a banned substance to help with injury recovery without checking with the team first.

"For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team and my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates."

Ekblad has been avearging 23:30 of ice time this season, in 56 games, with 33 points and a plus/minus rating of +11.