Why John Tortorella's behavior cost Golden Knights a 'massive' draft pick in rare punishment

The Vegas Golden Knights reached the conference finals for the fifth time in their nine seasons of existence with a win over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, but the celebration was interrupted Friday by a surprisingly strong punishment from the NHL.

The league docked the Golden Knights' 2026 second-round pick, which was set to be No. 61 overall, and fined coach John Tortorella $100,000 for "flagrant" media violations just a day after the team advanced.

Tortorella, hired only seven weeks ago to replace Bruce Cassidy in a late-season shakeup, has been a rousing success so far by powering Vegas to a division title and Western Conference Final appearance.

Here's what you need to know about the NHL's punishment imposed on the Golden Knights.

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Why did Golden Knights the lose a draft pick?

The NHL announced Friday that the Golden Knights were docked a second-round pick and Tortorella was fined $100,000 "as a result of flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations following Game 6 of their Second Round series against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, May 14."

Tortorella did not speak to the media after the game, going against league policy, and the Golden Knights also didn't open their locker room to the media. Some NHL media members aired their frustrations with Vegas' decision after the game.

The NHL's announcement Friday revealed this isn't the first time the Golden Knights have violated the media policy.

"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 league's statement read.

The Golden Knights can appeal the decision and would have a hearing in New York next week if they chose to do so.

This story will be updated.