Aaron Ekblad Suspended Two Games for Elbowing Hagel

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for two games by the NHL after delivering an elbow to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their playoff series. The hit, which occurred late in the second period, left Hagel injured and ruled out for Game 5 due to concussion concerns, though Ekblad was not penalized during the game. The suspension means Ekblad will miss Game 5 and, depending on the series outcome, either Game 6 or Game 1 of the next round if Florida advances. This incident adds to an already heated and physical series, which has seen multiple suspensions for questionable hits. Ekblad had just returned from a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The NHL Department of Player Safety emphasized that Ekblad’s hit constituted a direct blow to the head, warranting supplemental discipline.