The Vegas Golden Knights lost their second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and John Tortorella was fined $100,000 for violating NHL rules. Their appeal was denied on Tuesday. Now, Vegas is under even more fire from fans for its statement on the matter, with many calling the organization cheaters.
The Vegas Golden Knights enter the Western Conference Final on Wednesday against the Colorado Avalanche. In the second round, the Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks in six games.
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Vegas violated NHL rules
After their 5–1 win to clinch the series against the Ducks on Thursday night, Vegas did not open its locker room to reporters. Head coach John Tortorella also refused to speak to the media afterward. On Friday, the NHL punished the Golden Knights organization. First, the team lost its second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. In addition, Tortorella was fined $100,000 for what the league called “flagrant violations of media regulations.”
Vegas’ response
Vegas appealed to have the punishment reduced, but the league denied the request. On Tuesday, John Tortorella and general manager Kelly McCrimmon spoke to the media about the incident.
“I’ve always felt in a playoff series, when you win a series, you galvanize the bond with your fan base. We missed that opportunity by not having John available to do postgame. That’s on John for failing to do that. That’s on me as the general manager of the hockey club. We have no explanation other than to say we were wrong and to assure you that it will not happen again.”
Furious fans
But fans are not buying the explanation.
“Stone got injured in the exact same week three years in a row. When they say it won’t happen again, I have doubts,” one fan wrote on X.
”Vegas sidesteps the rules every chance they get. Glad the NHL held its position,” another fan wrote.
“This organization becomes more unlikable daily,” a third fan wrote.
You can watch the press conference below.
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