Golden Knights hit with massive NHL punishment after latest playoff controversy!

The Vegas Golden Knights have officially been hammered by the NHL following the bizarre scene that unfolded after their Game 6 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, and the punishment is far more severe than many expected.

On Friday, the league announced significant discipline against the organization for what it described as “flagrant violations” of NHL playoff media regulations.

Vegas has forfeited its 2026 second-round draft pick, while head coach John Tortorella has been fined $100,000.

The NHL reportedly noted that the Golden Knights had already received prior warnings before the incident that took place following the team’s series-clinching win. They can appeal the decision to Gary Bettman at his New York office next week.

After advancing to the Western Conference Final, Tortorella stunned reporters by refusing to speak with the media: a move longtime Vegas insider Jesse Granger admitted he had “never seen” after a playoff-clinching victory.

The situation quickly escalated when the Golden Knights also refused to open their dressing room to reporters following the game, another highly unusual move during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Instead, Vegas only made two players available to speak: Mitch Marner and Brett Howden.

And when they sat down, both players immediately joked that they were worried Tortorella and the team bus were going to leave them behind at the arena if they stayed too long answering questions.

The awkward comments rapidly spread online and fueled criticism toward the organization, especially as many around the league were already upset over reports that Vegas had been “dragging their feet” on granting teams permission to interview former coach Bruce Cassidy for open NHL jobs.

Just earlier today, veteran hockey writer Ken Campbell suggested Vegas’ unusual media silence may have been tied to frustration over Brayden McNabb’s suspension.

“If it’s indeed true that the Golden Knights and John Tortorella didn’t make themselves available last night because they were upset with the league at the Brayden McNabb suspension, that’s a Jr. B level of maturity right there,” Campbell wrote.

Now, the NHL has officially stepped in.

The punishment immediately becomes one of the most dramatic off-ice stories of the postseason and only intensifies the perception growing around the league that the Golden Knights are becoming one of hockey’s most controversial organizations.