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.
-
Ryan Craig speaks during VGK training camp
Vegas opened its 10th season with a new head coach, a shortened training camp and the sting of finishing two wins shy of the Stanley Cup.
Golden Knights open training camp with ‘unfinished business’ after Stanley Cup Final run
Vegas returns with a shortened training camp, a new head coach in Ryan Craig and much of the core that came within two wins of the Stanley Cup.
Parker Wotherspoon embraces fresh start with VGK after breakout NHL season
Parker Wotherspoon joins the Vegas Golden Knights after a breakout season in Pittsburgh, bringing lessons from Erik Karlsson and a career shaped by patience and resilience.
Parker Wotherspoon embraces fresh start with Golden Knights after breakout NHL season
The 29-year-old defenseman played 80 games with Pittsburgh last season and says he’s excited to join a Golden Knights team built to contend.