That was a costly departure.  Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella has been fined $100,000 for “flagrant violations” of NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs media regulation. Vegas has also been stripped of their second-round draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

The team has been offered an in-person hearing to appeal these penalties; that would take place at the NHL’s New York offices next week.

Tortorella skipped the post-game press conference, declining to speak with the media following the Golden Knights’ 5-1 series-clinching victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. Vegas also refused to open their dressing room to reporters afterwards,

Only two players, Brett Howden and Mitch Marner, appeared – briefly – in front of the media after the game, with Marner quipping that they couldn’t miss the bus.  

 

According to The Athletic, Shea Theodore also held a quick scrum outside the team’s dressing room.  

The NHL advised that Vegas has received prior warnings about their compliance with “media regulations and other associated policies.”

The team issued a statement on social media: 

The Golden Knights are aware of today’s announcement from the NHL regarding the postgame media availability following Game 6 in Anaheim. The organization will have no further comment

Torts has been fined before.  He was out $25,000 for cutting a post-game presser short after a playoff loss in 2020 as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.   The NHL hit Tortorella with a $50,000 fine and a two-game suspension for refusing to leave the bench and for unprofessional conduct towards the officials.  He received a $20,000 fine for comments made after the 2020 Winter Classic.