(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones received a 20-game suspension Wednesday for violating the terms of the NHL's performance enhancing substances policy.

Jones, 28, was automatically referred to the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for evaluation and possible treatment.

The eight-year veteran accepted responsibility for the suspension.

'I have been informed of my positive test result and suspension under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program,' Jones said in a statement.

'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. 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.'

Jones recorded one assist in seven games with the Penguins before sustaining a lower-body injury toward the end of October. He returned to play one American Hockey League game in January while on a conditioning stint with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Penguins said Jones, who is signed through the 2026-27 season, informed the team about his positive test earlier this week.

'Throughout the process, Caleb has been forthcoming with the organization as to how he believes the positive test occurred. 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 statement.'The organization appreciates his transparency regarding this matter, and Caleb will follow all NHL and NHLPA protocols related to his suspension. Caleb has the full support of the Penguins organization, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the ice when he is cleared.'

Pittsburgh is Jones' fifth NHL team. He has 56 career points (14 goals, 42 assists) in 255 games with the Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers, who drafted Jones in the fourth round in 2015.

He is the younger brother of veteran defenseman Seth Jones, a Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers in 2025.

--Field Level Media