The Vegas Golden Knights are facing a significant penalty for failing to comply with the NHL's media rules after advancing to the Western Conference finals. The league announced on Friday that the team will forfeit its 2026 second-round draft pick due to what it called 'flagrant violations' of postgame media availability policies.
The issue arose following the Golden Knights' 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, which secured a 4-2 series win. According to reports, the team did not open its dressing room to reporters, and only a limited number of players spoke to the media in a separate area or at the podium. Head coach John Tortorella was notably absent from the media session and also skipped the traditional handshake line, resulting in a $100,000 fine.
The NHL noted that the franchise had received 'previous warnings' about adhering to media protocols. In response, the Golden Knights released a statement acknowledging the punishment but declining further comment. The team has the option to appeal the penalties at a meeting with the commissioner's office in New York next week.
Tortorella joined the Golden Knights in March after the surprising dismissal of Bruce Cassidy, with only three weeks left in the regular season. The move has paid off, as the team is now back in the conference finals three years after claiming the Stanley Cup in 2023. Next, Vegas will face the Colorado Avalanche in a best-of-seven series starting next Wednesday. Colorado advanced after a dramatic 4-3 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, finishing the series 4-1.
The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27, with the Toronto Maple Leafs holding the first overall pick. Despite losing their second-round pick, the Golden Knights will still have a first-round selection, though it will be a late pick due to their deep playoff run.