Story perspectives

NHL Denies Appeal, Keeps Vegas Fine, Draft Penalty

5/20/2026

Summary

Golden Knights Penalized

The NHL denied the Vegas Golden Knights’ appeal on May 19, 2026, upholding a $100,000 fine for coach John Tortorella and stripping the team’s 2026 second-round draft pick.
The sanctions stemmed from the team’s refusal to open its locker room to media after the 5-1 Game 6 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Coach Tortorella also declined to speak with reporters after the game, continuing a pattern of media-policy violations cited by the league.

Summary

Knights Trade Pick

The Knights surrendered a 2027 second-round pick to acquire forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.
The team previously gave up its 2025 and 2026 first-round selections for defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Rasmus Andersson.
Jack Eichel spoke to TNT Sports after the Game 6 win while the locker room stayed closed.
Commissioner Gary Bettman heard the appeal in New York on Tuesday morning and confirmed the penalties remain as assessed.

Summary

Golden Knights Fined

The NHL fined the Golden Knights $100,000 and stripped a second-round draft pick for violating Commissioner Gary Bettman’s microphone memo.
League officials warned the team about media-access compliance, then denied a microphone request, breaching the memo.
A hearing in New York upheld the penalties, citing Frank Seravalli’s X post.
Elliotte Friedman said the “red cape” analogy reflected Bettman’s frustration and the memo stresses honoring media requests unless a compelling reason exists.

Summary

Golden Knights Fined

The NHL upheld a $100,000 fine and a second-round draft-pick loss for the Golden Knights, warning the penalty could be reduced if the team follows media rules.
President George McPhee and GM Kelly McCrimmon attended the New York hearing, showing the organization’s commitment.
Team officials said a post-game media blackout was needed to catch the bus, a detail confirmed by reporter Danny Webster.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s 2007 Spygate scandal, in which Commissioner Roger Goodell fined the New England Patriots $250,000 and stripped their 2008 first-round draft pick for illegal sideline videotaping, set a precedent for league discipline. Citing that case, the NHL in 2026 penalized the Vegas Golden Knights with a $100,000 fine and loss of a second-round pick for similar media-policy violations.

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Golden Knights Penalized

The NHL denied the Vegas Golden Knights’ appeal on May 19, 2026, upholding a $100,000 fine for coach John Tortorella and stripping the team’s 2026 second-round draft pick.
The sanctions stemmed from the team’s refusal to open its locker room to media after the 5-1 Game 6 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Coach Tortorella also declined to speak with reporters after the game, continuing a pattern of media-policy violations cited by the league.

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