Oiler suspended for 20 games due to drug policy violation

Former Oiler suspended for 20 games due to drug policy violation

Caleb Jones, a past player for the Oilers, has been banned for 20 games because he broke the NHL’s rules regarding performance enhancing drugs, the league shared today.

Jones was picked by the Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round during the 2015 NHL draft. He played for the Oilers for 3 seasons from 2018 to 2021 before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the Duncan Keith deal.

NHL announces Caleb Jones banned for 20 games due to drug rules

 

NEWS: Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended for 20 games without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. #LetsGoPens

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) February 4, 2026

Now playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Caleb Jones is in a tough situation. The NHL announced this afternoon that he has been suspended for 20 games because he did not follow the league’s PED rules.

Shortly after this announcement, Jones mentioned that he didn’t mean to take something that the NHL banned, but he will accept the punishment and won’t appeal it. He explained that while he was being treated for a documented injury by another provider, he thinks the positive result came from a contaminated substance used in that treatment.

Even though he didn’t use the banned substance on purpose or to enhance his performance, he realizes that players must be accountable for what they allow into their bodies and accepts the punishment given by the program.

 

The NHL has handed Penguins’ Caleb Jones a 20-game suspension violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.

Jones has released a statement regarding his suspension. He’s appeared in seven games for Pittsburgh this season. pic.twitter.com/J2pI6c4JWY

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 4, 2026

He expressed regret for disappointing his teammates, the Penguins organization, and their fans.

– Caleb Jones

Caleb Jones, who is now 28 years old, has played only 7 games with the Penguins this season, contributing 1 point and a +1 rating during those games. Throughout his career, he has often moved back and forth between the NHL and the AHL. It will be interesting to see how Jones plays if and when he returns to the team.