The NHL has stripped the Las Vegas Golden Knights of a second-round pick in the 2026 draft and fined coach John Tortorella $100,000 after flagrant violations of the league’s media policies, with the team able to appeal.
The Golden Knights’ media standoff has turned into a real penalty. On Friday night, the NHL announced it has stripped Las Vegas of a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft for “flagrant violations” of the league’s media policies. The league also fined coach John Tortorella $100,000.
The decision lands after Tortorella declined to speak to reporters following the Golden Knights’ clinching of a berth in the Western Conference finals. Las Vegas also refused to open the dressing room after the game. Only three players were made available to the media.
In its statement, the NHL said the punishment followed previous warnings issued to the club about compliance with the Media Regulations and other associated policies.
The league also left the door open for a fight. The Golden Knights have the ability to appeal the punishment.
Across major North American sports. media-policy fines are not uncommon for players. but coaches and teams are far less frequently punished—often because compliance is usually built into the way clubs operate.. The NHL’s move suggests it’s willing to enforce its rules more aggressively when it believes the message is being ignored.
NHL Golden Knights John Tortorella media policy 2026 NHL draft second-round pick fine Western Conference finals