What Aaron Ekblad’s Suspension Means for the Florida Panthers
Aaron Ekblad, a top defender for the Florida Panthers, was suspended for 20 games yesterday. This is because he violated the terms of the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program. The NHL announced yesterday that the suspension comes with a mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA program for substance abuse and behavioral health. This is where Ekblad will undergo evaluation and possible treatment. The mandatory referral is part of the current collective bargaining agreement.
Ekblad made a public statement regarding this. It reads as follows: "The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock. Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel. I have let my teammates, the Panthers organization, and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates."
The Florida Panthers, after their game on March 11th against the Bruins, will have 17 games remaining in their regular season. Ekblad, after this game, will miss all 17 of their regular-season games in addition to two more games in either the playoffs or next season, whichever comes first for the Panthers. The Panthers are currently first in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference. Ekblad has 33 total points this season, up from his previous season’s 18 total points. It is important to note that the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup last season, and Ekblad was a key player in their championship run. The Panthers look to make another championship run this season.
Their playoff run will certainly be affected by this suspension if they are to make the playoffs. Without Ekblad, Florida’s defense is sure to worsen, affecting their record in this final stretch of games. With a hypothetically worse record, they’ll receive a lower playoff seed. This is especially true because the Toronto Maple Leafs, second in the division, are a mere two points behind the Florida Panthers. The change in seeding will certainly change who the Florida Panthers face in the first round. Aaron Ekblad will miss two of the games in the first round, affecting Florida’s performance in that round. When Ekblad does return, the team will have to readjust to account for his return, which is sure to affect chemistry. In any case, Ekblad is a highly valuable player for the Florida Panthers and will be missed.
