Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones suspended 20 games for PED violation

The NHL has suspended Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones for 20 games without pay after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.[1][2] The announcement came on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, marking a significant setback for the 28-year-old blueliner who has already missed much of the season due to injuries.[1]

Jones, in his first year with Pittsburgh after signing a two-year contract last summer, claims the positive test stemmed from contaminated exosome therapy received from an outside provider.[2] While accepting full responsibility under league rules, he insists there was no intentional use for performance enhancement. The Penguins organization has expressed support for Jones during his suspension.[1]

Background on the suspension

The NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program enforces strict liability, meaning players are accountable for any banned substance entering their system, regardless of intent.[2] Jones’ violation triggered a mandatory 20-game ban, the standard first-time penalty for such infractions.

This suspension adds to a challenging 2025-26 season for Jones, who has yet to play since early January. He appeared in just seven NHL games for Pittsburgh, recording one assist.

The timing is particularly tough as the Penguins navigate a competitive Atlantic Division. Jones was brought in to bolster the left side of the defense corps.

League officials confirmed the positive test but declined further comment, leaving the details to the program’s protocols.[2]

Under the rules, Jones must undergo evaluation through the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which addresses substance abuse and behavioral health.

Jones’ explanation and acceptance

In a statement released via the NHL Players’ Association, Jones detailed his belief in contamination from exosome therapy.[2] “At the time of the test, I was receiving an exosome therapy for a documented injury from an outside provider,” he said. “I believe that my positive test was related to a contaminated substance associated with that treatment.”

Exosome therapy involves injecting stem cell-derived particles to promote healing, increasingly popular in sports recovery but unregulated in many contexts.

Jones emphasized personal accountability. “While I did not use the prohibited substance intentionally or for performance enhancement, I understand that players are responsible for everything that enters their body and accept the discipline imposed by the program,” he added.[1]

He apologized publicly. “I’m sorry to have let down my teammates, the Penguins organization, and our fans.”

This mirrors defenses in past cases where athletes cite tainted supplements, though outcomes rarely change under strict liability.

A season derailed by injuries

Jones’ Pittsburgh tenure began promisingly with seven games in October. He notched one point before a foot injury sidelined him late that month.[1]

Pittsburgh placed him on injured reserve, followed by a conditioning loan to AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in January. He played one game there before an upper-body issue halted progress.

The foot injury reportedly occurred in a game against the Florida Panthers, ironically featuring his brother Seth Jones.

Recovery efforts included the exosome treatment that led to the positive test. Jones had expressed optimism about returning soon in pre-suspension interviews.

Now, with the ban, his earliest return is late March, potentially missing over 60 games total this season.

Penguins fans hoped for depth reinforcement, but injuries have kept him off the scoresheet entirely since October.

Penguins’ response and support

General manager Kyle Dubas issued a supportive statement on behalf of the club. The team “appreciates” Jones’ transparency throughout the process.[1]

“Caleb takes full responsibility for his actions, despite him being unaware that what he consumed was a prohibited substance at the time,” the Penguins said in a release.[2] They confirmed Jones will adhere to all protocols.

The organization pledged full backing. “We look forward to welcoming him back to the ice when he is cleared.”

This stance reflects a focus on rehabilitation over punishment, common in non-intentional cases.

Pittsburgh’s depth on defense will be tested further without Jones, relying on players like Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang.

Career context and family connection

Caleb is the younger brother of Florida Panthers star Seth Jones, a top defenseman and former No. 4 overall pick.[1] The siblings grew up in a hockey family, with Caleb drafted 117th overall by Edmonton in 2015.

His NHL journey included stints with the Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and now Pittsburgh. Last summer’s signing aimed to provide steady minutes.

At 28, Jones brings size (6-foot-2) and experience, though injuries have limited output: career 94 points in 258 games.

The suspension forfeits about $262,500 in salary, per league listings.[3]

For more on the official announcement, see the NHL’s release.[2]

Broader NHL PED landscape

PED violations remain rare in hockey compared to other sports, thanks to rigorous testing.[3] The 20-game suspension is standard for first offenses under the joint program.

Recent years saw cases like Aaron Ekblad’s rumored 20-game ban in 2025, though unconfirmed in current records.

The program emphasizes education and treatment, with referrals to assistance resources.

Contamination claims, often from supplements or therapies, test the strict liability principle. For details, check ESPN’s coverage here.[1]

• Common penalties: 20 games (first), 60 (second), lifetime (third).
• Testing: Year-round, random in- and out-of-competition.
• Focus areas: Steroids, stimulants, masking agents.

Jones’ case highlights risks of experimental therapies outside approved channels.

This incident serves as a reminder for athletes to vet all treatments thoroughly amid evolving recovery methods.

Jones’ path back involves not just healing injuries but rebuilding trust and performance. With Penguins support, he could contribute in the stretch run and playoffs. The league’s firm stance reinforces clean play, but his story underscores the pitfalls of unregulated wellness trends—what it means for Jones is a long road to redemption in Pittsburgh’s blue line.