A major announcement has just dropped in the National Hockey League.

The defenseman of the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, Aaron Ekblad, has been suspended for 20 games by the NHL.

Historic suspension for Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers

This is a massive blow to the Florida Panthers organization.

Aaron Ekblad is the first NHL player since Nate Schmidt in September 2018 to receive a suspension for violating the league’s banned substances program.

Ekblad is an upcoming unrestricted free agent this summer.

Chris Johnston, TSN

It should also be noted that Ekblad, who earns $7.5 million per year, will NOT be paid for the entirety of his suspension.

 


 

This also needs to be highlighted:

As part of Ekblad’s 20-game suspension, according to the NHL, “the suspension comes with a mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program for evaluation and potential treatment.”

Via David Pagnotta

 

Ekblad will therefore miss, at a minimum, his team’s first two playoff games.

 

This is a historically significant suspension for the National Hockey League, and from what we understand, the decision is final for defenseman Ekblad.

Indeed, this makes the Panthers’ acquisition of Seth Jones even more important.

Ekblad will also miss the first two playoff games.

The addition of Seth Jones is now even more crucial for the Panthers.

 

This does not necessarily explain everything, of course.

 

More details to follow.