Florida Panthers got a heavy blow in their persecution of defending their Stanley Cup title after the league announced that veteran defender Aaron Ekblad would serve a 20-match suspension for violating NHL’s policy on performance -enhancing drugs.

Ekblad, 29, will earn its suspension without pay, which Panthers Go into the last stretch of the regular season.

With only 18 games left on the schedule, Ekblad will miss at least the first two matches in the playoffs.

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“The news that I had Failed a random drug test was a shock, “Ekblad said in a statement from the league.” In the end, I made a mistake of taking something to help me get me after recent injuries without first controlling with proper medical and team staff.

“I have let my teammates, the Panthers organization and our big fans down. For that I am really sorry. I have accepted the responsibility of my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a tough lesson and can’t wait to be back with my teammates.”

Florida Panthers defender Aaron Ekblad skates with the puck against the Nashville predators during the second period at the Bridgestone Arena. (Steve Roberts/IMAGN -Pictures)

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Ekblad missed eight games in January with a upper body injury.

It was unclear what the source of the positive test result was.

According to the NHL’s collective negotiation agreement, Ekblad was also issued a mandatory reference to evaluation and possible treatment.

Florida Panthers Defender Aaron Ekblad (5) Skates with the puck against Los Angeles Kings Center Phillip Danault (24) in the first period at the AMERANT BANK Arena. (Rich Storry/Imag- Pictures)

Ekblad is the first player since 2018 to violate the league’s pedolitory. Before his suspension, he had 33 points in 56 games.