NHL suspends Florida Panthers defenseman for 20 games

The Florida Panthers will be shorthanded on defense for the remainder of the season and into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The NHL announced it suspended Aaron Ekblad for 20 games without pay for violating the terms of the league’s performance enhancing substance program.

“Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension is accompanied by mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment,” the NHL said in a statement.

Ekblad is the first NHL player to be suspended for violating the league’s substance program since Nate Schmidt in 2018.

Ekblad released a statement, saying his failed drug test came as a shock.

“Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me to recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel,” the statement said. “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.”

The Panthers have 18 games left in the regular season, so Ekblad is also ineligible for Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Ekblad has 33 points in 56 games for Florida this season.

The Panthers travel to Boston to take on the Bruins on Tuesday night.

• BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.