Panthers Exec Cifu Suspended After Online Posts

The NHL has indefinitely suspended Florida Panthers vice chairman and minority owner Doug Cifu from all league and team activities after he posted inflammatory comments on social media directed at a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Cifu's now-deleted posts, which followed a Panthers playoff win, included derogatory remarks about Canada, references to Donald Trump's '51st state' comments, and controversial statements about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Widespread backlash led to the deactivation of Cifu's X account. The NHL called the posts unacceptable and scheduled an in-person meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman to determine further action. Cifu has publicly apologized, acknowledged his comments did not reflect the values of the Panthers organization, and pledged to make amends. The incident unfolded as the Panthers and Maple Leafs remain tied in a closely contested playoff series.