Aaron Ekblad Returns to Panthers Lineup After 20-Game Suspension
Panthers to Get Key Reinforcement as Aaron Ekblad Returns from Suspension.
The Florida Panthers received a major lift ahead of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with star forward Matthew Tkachuk returning for Game 1 on Tuesday.
Now, they’re poised to regain another crucial piece of their lineup.
Top defenseman Aaron Ekblad will be back in action for Game 3 on Saturday after completing a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances policy.
His last appearance for the Panthers was on March 8.
“It’s huge for us,” said defenseman Niko Mikkola. “On the ice, he’s an incredible player, and off the ice, he’s a vocal leader with a big presence. Having him back is a game-changer.”
Ekblad, the longest-tenured defenseman in franchise history, holds Panthers records for games played (732), goals (118), assists (262), and points (380) by a blueliner.
The 28-year-old, in the final season of an eight-year, $60 million contract, tallied 33 points (3 goals, 30 assists) in 56 games this season, primarily paired with Gustav Forsling on Florida’s top defensive unit.
Injuries have plagued Ekblad in recent years—he sat out eight of nine games in January with an upper-body issue and has missed at least 11 games in each of the past four seasons.
When his suspension was announced, Ekblad admitted the punishment was “a shock” but acknowledged his error in taking a banned substance to aid recovery without consulting team doctors.
“I let my teammates, the Panthers organization, and our incredible fans down,” Ekblad said in an NHLPA-released statement. “I take full responsibility and have learned from this mistake. I’m eager to rejoin the team and make up for lost time.”
The suspension forced Ekblad to stay away from the team for the first four weeks, only rejoining activities on April 11. With just 18 regular-season games remaining when the ban was issued, he also missed the first two playoff matchups against Tampa Bay—an absence he called “the toughest two games to miss.”
“I’ve been focusing on staying in peak condition so that when Game 3 arrives, I can step right in,” Ekblad said. “I’ve come into playoffs cold before after injuries, so I’m confident I’ll be ready. But watching those first two games was really hard.”
The Panthers didn’t skip a beat without him, defeating the Lightning 6-2 in Game 1 and 2-0 in Game 2 to seize control of the series. Now, with Ekblad’s return, their defense is at full strength.
Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed Ekblad will immediately resume his usual role, including top-pairing duties with Forsling and special teams play.
“It’s a unique situation,” Maurice said. “Most 20-game absences involve serious injuries, but Aaron’s in phenomenal shape—maybe the best of his career. He’ll slot right back in with his partner.”
Ekblad echoed that sentiment: “The extended rest has been like a mini training camp. My body feels better than it has since the start of the season.”
Now, with Ekblad back, the Panthers aim to maintain their momentum as they push for a deep playoff run.
Image - Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn
