NHL upholds penalties levied against Golden Knights for media access infringement
The Vegas Golden Knights are going to pay their tab after all.
According to multiple reports, the NHL has upheld its decision to force the Golden Knights to forefit their second-round pick from the 2026 draft, as well as fining head coach John Tortorella $100,000, for “flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations.”
The Vegas Golden Knights appealed the NHL’s punishment in person this morning. It was determined that the penalties - a $100,000 fine for John Tortorella and loss of a second round draft pick - will remain as assessed.
The incident in question came following the team’s 5-1 win in Game 6 of the Pacific Division Final, which saw Vegas eliminate the Anaheim Ducks and advance to the Western Conference Final for the first time in three years. After the win, Tortorella declined to meet with the media, which is a longstanding custom, while the Golden Knights’ dressing room wasn’t opened to reporters, either. Instead, Vegas only sent forwards Mitch Marner and Brett Howden to the podium, while Jack Eichel was interviewed on the NHL on TNT broadcast.
In a statement, the NHL notes that the Golden Knights have previously been warned about their actions.
“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 Golden Knights will try and block out the noise and criticism they’ve received over the past few days and focus on their upcoming opponent, the Colorado Avalanche. Game 1 of the West Final is scheduled for Wednesday night in Denver, with puck drop set for a little after 8 p.m. ET. Vegas is seeking its first berth in the Stanley Cup Final since the team won its first championship in 2023, while the Avs are trying to make it back for the first time since their latest Cup the year before.