The NHL has slapped the Vegas Golden Knights with a significant penalty after head coach John Tortorella failed to meet with the media following a pivotal Game 6 victory. The league announced Friday that it is stripping the Golden Knights of their 2026 second-round draft pick and fining Tortorella $100,000 for violating media policies.

The incident occurred Thursday, May 14, after Vegas defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-1 to clinch the Western Conference semifinal series. According to reporters, neither Tortorella nor any players made themselves available for postgame interviews, and the team's dressing room remained closed. The NHL stated that the Golden Knights had been warned previously about such violations, though the team will have the opportunity to appeal. A hearing, if requested, is scheduled for next week in New York.

This isn't the first time Tortorella has found himself in hot water over media obligations. The fiery coach has a history of contentious relationships with reporters, and this latest incident underscores the league's commitment to enforcing its media access rules—especially during the high-stakes playoffs.

For Golden Knights fans, the loss of a second-round pick is a notable setback. Draft capital is crucial for building depth, and Vegas will now have to navigate the 2026 draft without that asset. As the team prepares for the Western Conference final, they'll also be dealing with the distraction of an upcoming disciplinary hearing.

While the on-ice action heats up, this off-ice drama serves as a reminder that even in the heat of playoff competition, the league expects teams to uphold professional standards. For the Golden Knights, the price of silence just got a lot higher.