NHL docks Golden Knights 2026 draft pick for media policy violations

Field Level Media|published: Fri 15th May, 17:42 2026

May 1, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella addresses the media after game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Utah Mammoth at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The NHL reacted swiftly and harshly to the Vegas Golden Knights' "flagrant violations of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs media regulations," announcing on Friday that the franchise will forfeit a second-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Head Coach John Tortorella did not meet with the media as prescribed by league policy after his squad eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinal series in Anaheim on Thursday night.

Moreover, the locker room remained closed to media.

In addition, Tortorella, who took over head coaching duties from Bruce Cassidy on March 29, has been fined $100,000.

"The Golden Knights are aware of today's announcement from the NHL regarding the postgame media availability following Game 6 in Anaheim," the team said on social media. "The organization will have no further comment."

The NHL imposed these penalties after previous warnings to the Golden Knights regarding its media regulations and other associated policies. Vegas may appeal these penalties to the Commissioner's Office in person next week in New York.

The Golden Knights will take on the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals, beginning in Denver on Wednesday.

--Field Level Media

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