Caleb Jones Suspended 20 Games for Violation of NHL PED Policy
Caleb Jones with the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. Photo Credits: Connor Mah.
Written By Gina Anton
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended for 20 games without pay by the National Hockey League after testing positive under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, the league announced on February 4, 2026.
The suspension which is one of the more significant disciplinary actions so far this season, stems from a positive test for a prohibited substance, a violation of the NHL’s strict anti‑doping rules. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Jones’s penalty also includes a mandatory referral to the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for evaluation and possible treatment.
In a statement released through the NHL Players’ Association, Jones said he believes the positive test resulted from a contaminated substance related to exosome therapy he was receiving for a documented injury from a provider outside the Penguins organization. He maintained that he did not intentionally use a banned performance‑enhancing substance or try to gain an unfair advantage, but acknowledged that players are ultimately responsible for anything that enters their bodies.
“I understand that players are responsible for everything that enters their body and accept the discipline imposed by the program,” Jones said. He also apologized to his teammates, the Penguins organization, and the fans for letting them down.
The Penguins issued their own statement saying that Jones has been transparent about how the positive test occurred and that the organization appreciates his cooperation throughout the process. General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasized that Jones takes full responsibility for the situation, even if he was unaware that what he consumed contained a prohibited substance.
The team also noted that Jones will abide by all NHL and NHLPA protocols during his suspension and expressed support for him as he works toward returning to the lineup.
The 28‑year‑old Jones signed a two‑year contract with the Penguins last summer and appeared in seven games this season, recording one assist before being sidelined by a lower‑body injury in October. He later played one game for the AHL’s Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins in January before suffering another injury.
Jones is a veteran of eight NHL seasons, having previously played with the Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh. He has 56 career points (14 goals, 42 assists) in 255 NHL games and is under contract through the 2026–27 season.
The younger brother of Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Seth Jones is now part of the league’s ongoing efforts to enforce its performance-enhancing substance policies and educate players about the importance of vigilance with treatments and supplements following his suspension.
