LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Vegas Golden Knights are losing a 2026 second-round draft pick and head coach John Tortorella was fined $100,000 for "flagrant violations" of the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs media policy following a win that pushed the team into the Western Conference Finals.
The NHL handed down the punishments on Friday, a day after Tortorella and players were not made available to the media after the Game 6 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
"The imposition of these penalties comes after previous warnings were issued to the Club regarding their compliance with the Media Regulations and other associated policies," the NHL said in a press release.
The organization said it was aware of the league's announcement but would offer no further comment.
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 15, 2026
The Vegas Golden Knights appealed the NHL’s punishment in person in New York Tuesday morning. It was determined that the penalties - a $100,000 fine for John Tortorella and loss of a second round draft pick - will remain.
The Golden Knights beat the Ducks 5-1 on Thursday night to punch their ticket to the conference finals for the fifth time in franchise history.
Vegas now takes on the Colorado Avalanche, opening the series in Denver on Wednesday, May 20.
The full conference finals schedule can be found at this link.
-
Vegas, Carolina playing Stanley Cup Final for the ages, and the numbers show it
High-scoring, history-making, lead-blowing hockey is on full display in the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes.
Golden Knights need improved play from Eichel, Hart and special teams to beat the Hurricanes
The Golden Knights find themselves in a familiar playoff position, needing to win two of the next three games in the Stanley Cup Final against the Hurricanes
Golden Knights drop Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final, tying series up at 2-2
The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Game 4 on Tuesday night to even the Stanley Cup Final at 2-2.
VGK among greatest NHL expansion franchises even if they don't beat Hurricanes
Hockey historian Eric Zweig said Vegas is on the short list of top expansion franchises in NHL history, and another Stanley Cup should put the Golden Knights in the conversation as the best.
