Vegas Golden Knights lose appeal, will remain without second-round pick after John Tortorella and team’s media policy violations
RMNB • • sports
Key Points:
- The Vegas Golden Knights were penalized by the NHL with the loss of a 2026 second-round draft pick and a $100,000 fine to coach John Tortorella for violating media policies, including refusing postgame media access after eliminating the Anaheim Ducks in the playoffs.
- The team appealed the sanctions in an in-person hearing but was unsuccessful in getting the NHL to rescind or reduce the penalties.
- Previous violations cited by the league include canceling a press conference last minute, limiting media access to players like captain Mark Stone and goaltender Carter Hart, and revoking a reporter’s press pass over a sensitive question.
- Goaltender Carter Hart, signed by Vegas despite being involved in a high-profile sexual assault case from 2018, remains the team’s starter as they enter the Western Conference Finals.
- Separately, the Golden Knights continue to block other NHL teams from interviewing their recently fired head coach Bruce Cassidy, who is still under contract and being paid by Vegas, with no resolution reached during the league meeting.