PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
February 8, 2026 (12:20)
Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Caleb Jones gets a 20-game suspension, and the Pittsburgh Penguins just lost a depth defender in a brutal way.
The NHL announced Wednesday that Jones violated the NHL and NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
The ban is without pay, and it hits immediately.
This is the kind of headline that follows a player around, fair or not.
He was drafted in 2015, in the fourth round, 117th overall, by the Edmonton Oilers.
Most fans will remember him as a former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman who ate minutes on a thin blue line.
Caleb Jones puts the Pittsburgh Penguins in a bind with substance program violation
Penguins fans have every right to feel annoyed, because this is self-inflicted roster stress in the middle of a grind.
Jones released a statement saying he believes the positive test came from contaminated material tied to exosome therapy for a documented injury.
“At the time of the test, I was receiving an exosome therapy for a documented injury from an outside provider. I believe that my positive test was related to a contaminated substance associated with that treatment,” Jones said in a statement. “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. I’m sorry to have let down my teammates, the Penguins organization, and our fans.”
He also acknowledged the responsibility that comes with being a pro player, even while disputing intent.
Under the CBA framework, he’s also been referred to the NHL and NHLPA Player Assistance Program for evaluation and possible treatment.
Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas publicly backed Jones, praising his transparency and saying the organization supports him through the process.
“Throughout the process, Caleb has been forthcoming with the organization as to how he believes the positive test occurred,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “Caleb takes full responsibility for his actions, despite him being unaware that what he consumed was a prohibited substance at the time.”
On the ice, Jones had logged 7 NHL games this season, with 0 goals and 1 assist, totaling 1 point.
Now the Penguins have to cover 20 games of minutes, likely with call-ups and heavier workloads for their bottom pair.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman suspended 20 games by NHL for violating substance program
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