Florida Panthers Employee Fired for Leaking New Center-Ice Logo

An employee of the Florida Panthers has reportedly been fired after a picture of the team's new center-ice logo leaked on social media. The Panthers unveiled the new logo on Monday, which features the team's shield placed over sun rays inspired by the embossed pattern in the Stanley Cup.

The Florida Panthers have reportedly fired an employee after a picture of the team's new center-ice logo leaked on social media.

David Rodriguez, the host of the "FLA Cats Hockey Podcast," posted a picture of what he believed was the new center-ice logo heading into the 2024-2025 NHL season on Sunday. He asked his followers, "This real?" after revealing the new rink design.

Florida Panthers Employee Fired for Leaking New Center-Ice Logo

It turns out the picture that Rodriguez got was in fact the rink at Amerant Bank Arena for the new year as the team made it official with a post of its own on Monday.

"Center ice fit for the Champs," the Panthers, the team that won the Stanley Cup earlier this year, posted on social media.

Florida Panthers Employee Fired for Leaking New Center-Ice Logo

"This year our shield finds its way back to center ice," the post continued. "And for the first time in franchise history, the circle is filled with red.

"The sun’s looking a little different in South Florida. The shield is placed over sun rays inspired by the embossed pattern in the Stanley Cup."

Florida Panthers Employee Fired for Leaking New Center-Ice Logo

The Panthers’ post came around an hour after Rodriguez showed his following the logo, and it reportedly cost a team employee their job.

Talk show host and reporter Andy Slater had "multiple sources" tell him that "the employee who took this pic has been fired."

The Panthers have not confirmed the firing, but Slater's sources are typically reliable.

The Panthers found their redemption in the Stanley Cup last season after previously being beaten by the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2022-2023 campaign.

The Panthers made it harder on themselves as they had a 3-0 lead against the Edmonton Oilers before needing a Game 7 to figure out the champion.

But the loyal Panthers fans at Amerant Bank Arena were not disappointed as Florida beat Edmonton in Game 7 and the team’s first-ever Stanley Cup was lifted at home.

The Panthers are hoping to build on their success this season and the new center-ice logo is a reminder of their championship victory.

The Panthers will open the season at home against the New York Islanders on October 14.