Golden Knights Lose Draft Pick, Tortorella Fined After Media Boycott
Written By Gina Anton
The NHL announced Friday that the Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a second-round pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, while head coach John Tortorella has been fined $100,000 for violating Stanley Cup Playoffs media regulations following Game 6 against the Anaheim Ducks.
After Thursday’s series-clinching win, Tortorella did not make himself available to reporters and the Golden Knights declined to open their locker room to the media, both of which are required under NHL postseason rules. Only Mitch Marner and Brett Howden spoke at the podium, joking that the team bus would be leaving in “10 minutes.”
Neither the team nor Tortorella provided an explanation Thursday night, but Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported the protest may have stemmed from frustration over defenseman Brayden McNabb receiving a one-game suspension for interference earlier in the series.
“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 NHL said in its statement.
The Golden Knights can appeal the punishment to Commissioner Gary Bettman next week in New York, though the organization has not indicated whether it plans to challenge the ruling.
When asked about the penalties Saturday, Tortorella declined to discuss the matter further.
“We put out a statement as an organization,” Tortorella said. “We’ll go by that.”
Despite the controversy, Vegas advanced to the Western Conference Final with an 8-4 record through 12 postseason games. The Golden Knights will next travel to Colorado to face the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.
