Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad received a two-game suspension from the NHL for a controversial hit on Lightning forward Brandon Hagel during Game 4 of their playoff series, despite not being penalized during the game. The hit, which targeted Hagel's head and neck area, contributed to a heated series marked by multiple questionable plays and suspensions, including a previous suspension for Hagel and a fine for Panthers' Niko Mikkola. Ekblad's suspension will cause him to miss Game 5 and potentially Game 6 or the first game of the second round, depending on the series outcome. This incident adds to Ekblad's disciplinary record, as he was previously suspended for 20 games earlier in the season due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. The NHL's decision was based on a detailed video review confirming the head contact, underscoring the league's focus on player safety and head injuries.

Aaron Ekblad was suspended for two games by the NHL after a hit on Brandon Hagel's head and neck area during Game 4, although no penalty was called at the time.

The incident occurred when the Lightning were leading 2-1, with Ekblad later scoring a game-tying goal in the Panthers' 4-2 victory, giving them a 3-1 series lead.

The series has been contentious, with multiple controversial hits, including Brandon Hagel's prior illegal hit on Aleksander Barkov, which led to his one-game suspension.

Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was fined $50,000 for a hit on Zemgus Girgensons in the same game but did not receive a suspension.

The NHL's decision to suspend Ekblad followed a thorough review that confirmed the hit was to the head, aligning with the league's emphasis on preventing head injuries.

Ekblad's suspension is his second of the season, following a 20-game suspension for a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.

The suspension means Ekblad will miss critical playoff games, either Game 5 and Game 6 or Game 1 of the next round, depending on the series outcome.

The NHL has suspended Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad for two games following his hit on Lightning forward Brandon Hagel in Game 4. That means that Ekblad will miss Game 5 in Tampa Bay and either Game 6 against the Lightning or Game 1 of the second round if Florida advances in five.

On Monday night in Game 4, Ekblad hit Hagel's head and neck area with his forearm and elbow, ultimately injuring the forward. However, Ekblad wasn't penalized on the play, which angered Lightning head coach Jon Cooper.

Jon Cooper was IRATE after no penalty was called on this play against Aaron Ekblad 😳 pic.twitter.com/xbuSCR0p8T

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 29, 2025

That hit occurred when the Lightning were up 2-1 on Florida needing a win to tie the series. Ekblad would go on to the game-tying goal as the Panthers won the game 4-2 to go up 3-1 in the series.

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The incident was only the latest in what has been a chippy series with many questionable hits. In Game 2, Hagel himself illegally hit Panthers center Aleksander Barkov, resulting in his own one-game suspension.

Brandon Hagel has been given a 5-minute major for this hit on Aleksander Barkov pic.twitter.com/xn6RQcTqS2

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 25, 2025

Additionally, in Game 4, Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for his hit on Zemgus Girgensons. However, while NHL Player Safety fined Mikkola $50,000 for the hit, it did not suspend him any games.

Niko Mikkola receives a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding on Zemgus Girgensons. pic.twitter.com/XNWwW5EKSm

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 29, 2025

Aaron Ekblad suspension, explained

After reviewing Ekblad's hit on Monday night, NHL Player Safety determined that the Panthers defenseman would get a two-game suspension, which will be served in this playoffs. The panel decided that Ekblad's hit was high enough that the veteran defenseman should sit for multiple games.

From @NHLPlayerSafety, slow-mo view of Ekblad’s forearm to Hagel’s head.

This is a reverse angle that we hadn’t seen - and shows the carnage. Very clear 2 game suspension. pic.twitter.com/8DoWbNcxKj

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 29, 2025

For Ekblad to be suspended, the NHL had to decide whether he hit Hagel in the head, which Player Safety ultimately deemed to be true.

This will be Ekblad's second suspension of the season, as he previously sat for 20 games after testing positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs.