Golden Knights forfeit second-round pick after violating NHL media regulations

There should be nothing but good feelings around the Vegas Golden Knights, who advanced to the Western Conference Final after defeating the Anaheim Ducks with their 5-1 Game 6 victory on Thursday. Thanks to the decisions made by the head coach John Tortorella and the team immediately following Thursday’s win, however, they’ve just received a hefty dose of bad news.

According to a statement released by the NHL on Friday, the Golden Knights have been forced to forfeit a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft as a result of their “flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations” following Thursday’s Game 6 win. Tortotella has also been fined $100,000.

After the game, Tortorella declined to speak to the media, and the Golden Knights’ dressing room was also kept restricted from the media. Only forwards Mitch Marner and Brett Howden spoke to the media at the podium following the game, and forward Jack Eichel spoke to the TNT broadcast.

The NHL’s statement mentions that Vegas had been warned against violating the league’s media regulations prior to the administering of Friday’s sanctions.

“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 statement reads.

After the NHL’s announcement of the santions, the Golden Knights released their own statement simply acknoweldging them without further comment.

“The Golden Knights are aware of today’s announcement from the NHL regarding the postgame media availability following Game 6 in Anaheim. The organization will have no further comment,” the team’s statement reads.

If they so choose, Vegas will be able to appeal the NHL’s decision to the Commissioner’s Office with an in-person hearing in New York.

It’s unclear why Tortorella declined to speak to the media, especially after a joyous playoff win.