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

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 26, 2025, 18:25 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Aaron Ekblad returns to the Florida Panthers lineup for Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after serving a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL's substance program. Ekblad focused on self-improvement during his suspension and is paired with Gustav Forsling. Coach Paul Maurice notes Ekblad is in peak condition, boosting the Panthers after their initial playoff wins.

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

(Image via Getty: Aaron Ekblad)

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?

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.

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

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

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article