The Vegas Golden Knights advanced to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff Western Conference Final after knocking out the Anaheim Ducks last night, but it is what happened after the game that we are here to talk about. Following the Game 6 Golden Knight series victory, Vegas refused to talk to the media. Therefore, commissioner Gary Bettman and the league quickly stepped in and imposed heavy sanctions on them. Let’s discuss.
NHL game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas Manny Flores/Cal Sport Media
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 15, 2026
John Tortorella Fined and Vegas Loses Draft Pick
Not only was their head coach John Tortorella fined a sizable $100,000 price tag, but the team also has to forfeit a draft pick. That is quite the substantial penalty imposed for an infraction. The draft pick is a 2026 second-round selection. Given some of the other recent events, of a physical nature, like the Ridly Greig or Josh Norris plays, there has been questions raised about how the punishments are ultimately decided. People question the equivalency of something as seemingly trivial as denying your request for the media.
However, the league wants it to be known that this is unacceptable behaviour. It speaks to being accountable and answering when the questions are asked, given players and coaches presence in the public eye. Furthermore, Vegas as an organization has been warned about this type of behaviour before. So, regardless of the level of punishment, it puts their integrity in question, if they fail to follow the rules.
What is Even Going On Here?
It is somewhat surprising this even developed in the first place. Vegas badly outplayed Anaheim in the series finale, and should have been in a positive mindset following the victory. It seems the rejection was a result of the league punishment on their defenceman Brayden McNabb. He was suspended for Game 6 following a hit on Duck player Ryan Poehling.
In any case, the league has spoken, and it came down hard. Vegas will look to use this as motivation to come together as a team, and put this behind them. They are set to begin the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche any day. Stay locked with us for all your series and playoff coverage.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Brayden McNabb has been assessed a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on Ryan Poehling 😬
Poehling needed assistance getting off the ice and has gone to the locker room 🤕 pic.twitter.com/hhHsqZlpzB
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 13, 2026
