Suspended Florida Panthers top defenseman Aaron Ekblad returns for Game 3 of Round 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against Tampa Bay Lightning

On March 10, 2025, Florida Panthers ’ top ice hockey defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games due to a failed drug test. To be precise, for violating the NHL/NHLPA’s Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Ekblad had shared in a press release back then, “The news that I 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.”

Cut to April 26, 2025, Florida Panthers wrote on their X account, “It’s huge for us. Obviously, he’s an elite defenseman.” @JamesonCoop with the story on Ekky’s return tomorrow!” Meaning - Ekblad will play now! Against the Tampa Bay Lightning ! In Game 3 of Round 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs ! The Panthers are high with Game 1 and Game 2 wins - Can this top defenseman’s return promise a rocking win for the Panthers in Game 3? Only time will tell. For now, how does Aaron Ekblad feel about his return?

“It’s huge for us. Obviously, he’s an elite defenseman.”@JamesonCoop with the story on Ekky's return tomorrow!

— x - Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 25, 2025

Aaron Ekblad was his own coach all this while he was on a 20-game suspension

“I was still able to skate, work out, and draw up on my on-ice programs as best I could. I’d watch the games, I’d see something ( Gustav Forsling ) would do, and I’d try to mimic it and practice the next day. So it was a good lesson in being my own coach for a little bit.” - Aaron Ekblad shared with NHL.com about his absence from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and 20 games.

Good morning Florida Panthers fans.

Aaron Ekblad, the best defenseman in our history is back tomorrow for Game 3 up 2-0 in the series.

Have a wonderful day and happy Friday! #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/8W6tayjEjI

— David (@David954FLA) April 25, 2025

Aaron Ekblad will be paired with Gustav Forsling for Game 3 of Round 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning

Aaron Ekblad is set to return to the Panthers lineup while Tampa's Brandon Hagel has been suspended for one game for his hit on Sasha Barkov, whose status remains up in the air.#TimeToHunt Game 3 preview @TheHockeyNews ⬇️ https://t.co/fCL4CFGgcI

— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) April 26, 2025

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice talked about Aaron Ekblad’s return with NHL.com, “Very unusual timing. Usually, a player that’s out for 20 games has a significant injury, and that really affects their rehab.

I would say that Aaron’s probably in the best shape of his life right now. We will put him right back with his partner.” Gustav Forsling is his Aaron Ekblad’s partner. This star duo was a major highlight in the run for the 2024 Stanley Cup, and they ultimately won! It looks like the Tampa Bay Lightning is in for some competition and terror!


Also Read: “Do not dare put Skinner bad in the net again”: Calvin Pickard saves Edmonton Oilers from failing the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs | NHL News - The Times of India