Ekblad in a statement through the NHLPA said the news that he had failed a random drug test shocked him, and he apologized for the error.

The NHL announced Monday that Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL/NHLPA's Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Per the NHL's statement, the suspension also includes "mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games without pay Monday for violating the NHL and NHL Players' Association's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, taking him off the ice for the defending Stanley Cup champions' stretch run and start of the playoffs.