NHL Fans Under Investigation After Shocking Footage Shows Them Performing Nazi Salute At Game [VIDEO]

An investigation has started after a viral video showed a group of fans making a Nazi salute during an NHL game. The incident happened at a Dallas Stars home game in December and has now caused strong backlash.

The video went viral on social media after a Reddit post got millions of views. It shows five fans raising their right arms in a gesture linked to hate. This happened during a goal celebration in a 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Arena officials say they took the situation seriously as soon as they saw the video. The game was held at the American Airlines Center, which is now leading the investigation.

Arena And Team Respond As Probe Begins

Dallas Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic (28) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Cente (Photo By Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

The American Airlines Center released a statement on Wednesday and made its stance clear. “American Airlines Center (AAC) has zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination,” the arena said, according to ESPN. “We aim to ensure an environment for our guests that is free from disruptive behaviors.”

Maple Leafs Had Multiple Matthew Knies Trade Offers Rejected

Brad Treliving was trying to blow up the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of this season’s trade deadline.

There’s been multiple reports floating around that Treliving, who’s now fired, was talking with several teams around winger Matthew Knies. The Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens are two of the frontrunners, who had interest, but Treliving was working a very hard bargain.

According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, Treliving was asking for two first-round picks and a top prospect in return for Knies. The Maple Leafs winger has had an up and down season after signing a long-term contract extension worth $7.75 million AAV through the 2031 season. The crazy part about Knies’ extension is the fact he has zero trade protection, so it made you wonder if Treliving had something up his sleeve early on in the term of the contract. Turns out only six months in he was looking to move Knies, and now he’s looking for a job, kind of funny how that all played out.

Kypreos also confirmed if Treliving wasn’t able to land two first-round picks and a top prospect, he would have settled for two top prospects and a first-rounder, or three top prospects. It was obvious, he was looking for three pieces for the 23-year-old power forward.

Knies has spent the majority of the season on the Maple Leafs top line with Auston Matthews. Bobby McMann and Max Domi have spent the most time with the two top liners this season, with McMann now shining bright for the Seattle Kraken. Meanwhile, Domi is likely being moved this summer and look for the Leafs to address their top-line right-wing position at the top of their priority list.

As for Knies, he’s recorded 21 goals and 60 points in 73 games, which is a career high, and with another star on the right side of the top line, look for him to reach 90 points next season.

The Maple Leafs may be a mess this season, but they have the pieces to make a quick turnaround for the 2026-27 season, and Knies is going to be a huge part of it, now that Treliving has been shown the door.