Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman suspended 20 games for performance enhancing substance program violation

The NHL performance enhancing substance program is back in the headlines.

Frank Seravalli reported Wednesday that Jones was suspended 20 games without pay for violating the NHL and NHLPA performance enhancing substance program.

As of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the league has not posted a public release with details, but the implication is clear, he is not available.

Jones is 28, a 2015 fourth round pick, 117th overall, drafted by the Edmonton Oilers.

He is not a star name, but he matters on a roster that keeps asking its depth to survive hard minutes.

Here is the original report.

On the ice this season, Jones has 0-1-1 in 7 games, the kind of small sample that still tells you he was in the mix.

Off the ice, this is a zero wiggle room violation, and the program is designed to be strict for a reason.

Penguins fans are tired of chaos years, and this one feels especially unfair because it is self inflicted, not bad luck.

The immediate issue is bodies, because a 20 game chunk is a long time for a third pair defender to vanish.

The next issue is cap math, because off ice suspensions typically bring cap relief while the player is unpaid, but the club still needs a usable replacement.

If Pittsburgh needs a call up, that means more AHL minutes get handed out, and waivers can suddenly enter the chat.

Tactically, the penalty kill and defensive zone exits take the hit first, because that is where coaches lean on steady, simple plays.

Jones now faces the hard part, earning trust back in the room and proving he can be a dependable option again.

For the Penguins, the next game becomes a quick test of whether this blue line can stay organized without him.

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