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.
-
Mitch Marner scores 2nd career postseason hat trick in Stanley Cup Final Game 3
Marner's three goals mark his second career postseason hat trick, both of which have come in the 2026 postseason and his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights.
VGK defenseman Brayden McNabb returns for Game 3 after taking puck to face
Until just before puck drop, it was unclear if McNabb would play, but he took the ice in a full face cage, to massive applause from the crowd at T-Mobile Arena.
Tortorella likes where the Golden Knights stand with the Stanley Cup Final tied
John Tortorella is confident about how the Vegas Golden Knights are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, even after falling in overtime in Game 2.
Brayden McNabb's Stanley Cup Final status unclear after taking puck to the face
Coach John Tortorella had no update on McNabb on Friday other than to confirm the 35-year-old was traveling home with the team. Game 3 is Saturday in Las Vegas.
