NHL strips Vegas Golden Knights of 2026 second-round pick and fines John Tortorella after team commits ‘flagrant violation’ of media policy
RMNB • • general
Key Points:
- The NHL has penalized the Vegas Golden Knights for violating media regulations after head coach John Tortorella refused postgame media duties and the team denied locker room access following Game 6 of their Second Round series against the Anaheim Ducks.
- As a result, the Golden Knights will forfeit their 2026 second-round draft pick, and Tortorella has been fined $100,000.
- The team had previously received warnings about compliance with media policies, and they have the option to appeal the sanctions in person next week in New York.
- Vegas is set to begin their Western Conference Finals series against the Colorado Avalanche on May 20, and currently holds no first or second-round picks in the next two drafts, with their earliest 2026 selection now in the third round.
- The Golden Knights issued a brief statement acknowledging the NHL’s announcement but declined to comment further.