NHL-Vegas Golden Knights to forfeit second-round pick for violating NHL’s media regulations

May 15 (Reuters) – The Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after “flagrant violations” of the league’s media regulations following Thursday’s Game Six win over the Anaheim Ducks in their Western Conference semi-final series.

Vegas head coach John Tortorella has also been fined $100,000 after he did not make himself available to media after the Golden Knights’ 5-1 victory. 

The team also did not open their dressing room to media post-game. Vegas forwards Mitch Marner and Brett Howden spoke to reporters at the podium while defenceman Shea Theodore spoke briefly in a side room at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. 

Tortorella also did not line up for handshakes after the win. 

Vegas has previously been warned about “compliance with the media regulations and other associated policies,” the NHL said in statement.

In a statement posted to X on Friday, the Golden Knights said they are aware of the NHL’s penalty and that the organization will have no further comment.

Vegas have the opportunity to appeal the decision next week to the office of commissioner Gary Bettman.

The Golden Knights will play the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference final. 

(Reporting by Nicole Fernandes in Toronto)