Deslauriers caught on hot mic taunting Panthers bench
Nic Deslauriers was picked up by a live microphone during Carolina's season opener against Florida, taunting the Panthers bench after fighting Boko Imama. Deslauriers, who has more fighting majors than any player since 2014-15, signed a two-year extension with Carolina over the summer. Florida won 1-0 on Gustav Forsling's late goal after Carolina raised its 2026 Stanley Cup banner.
Nic Deslauriers, 35, has appeared in over 700 NHL games for Buffalo, Montreal, Anaheim, Minnesota, Philadelphia and Carolina, where he arrived late last season and later signed a two-year extension. His 88 fighting majors since 2014-15 lead all players, giving context to the second-period remark caught by a live microphone.
Boko Imama, 30, was born in Montreal and chosen 180th overall by Tampa Bay in 2015. He has played more than 400 AHL games and 33 NHL contests; Florida added him for physical matchups like this opener at Lenovo Center.
The clip could spread quickly online, affecting players, fans, and broadcasters. It may renew questions about live microphones capturing profanity and whether viral aggression helps or hurts hockey’s image. Teams and networks might review audio practices, while younger viewers could imitate the language. The moment likely remains a minor cultural footnote unless it fuels broader debate about fighting, safety, and sportsmanship.