What happened: Florida Panthers equipment manager Teddy Richards was arrested Friday in Coral Springs, Florida, and charged with misdemeanor battery/domestic violence and unauthorized use of 911 services. The team suspended him indefinitely from all activities and facilities pending an investigation. Richards is being held at Broward County Jail; no bond amount was listed.
Why it matters: Richards has spent over a decade in the NHL, joining the Panthers in the 2016-17 season and serving as equipment manager through their back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025. He also works for USA Hockey, where he was part of the gold-medal-winning U.S. men's team at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, the 2026 IIHF World Championship and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
By the numbers: Stanley Cup titles as an equipment staffer: 3 — Pittsburgh (2015-16) and Florida (2024, 2025). Panthers tenure: since 2016-17, his 10th season with the club.
What to watch: The case proceeds through Broward County court alongside the Panthers' internal investigation into Richards' status with the team.