Aaron Ekblad returns to practice with the Florida Panthers after serving a 20-game suspension for a failed drug test. While still suspended from games until the playoffs, he reflected on the challenges of being away from the team. Ekblad described his time away as isolating but acknowledged the support from friends and teammates. He shared his mental struggles following the suspension's announcement and how he coped by maintaining his physical and mental readiness. His experience highlights the unique challenges athletes face regarding suspensions and their mental health.
It's incredible. It was a long four or five weeks there of being alone. I have a great support structure here in Florida, obviously, a lot of friends away from the game that I could lean on in that time, but to be back with the team is unbelievable.
It was obviously tough. Being injured is obviously a bit of a different animal. It's worse, in a sense, because you can't do all those things that you want to do to stay in shape and that can be tough.
An anvil is a good metaphor. It was tough. It was a tough first few days, but life goes on. You have to move on.
I was able to mentally and physically stay in it as best I could.
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