The Vegas Golden Knights appealed their NHL-imposed sanctions in New York on Tuesday morning and it was determined shortly afterward that the punishment will remain as assessed, sources told ESPN.
The league fined coach John Tortorella $100,000 and stripped the team of its 2026 second-round draft pick for "flagrant violations" of the NHL's Stanley Cup playoff media regulations.
The sanctions came down Friday, one day after the Golden Knights didn't open their dressing room to the media. Tortorella also declined to speak with reporters after the team's series-clinching 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals.
However, sources told ESPN that it was a pattern of behavior and repeated warnings that led to the unprecedented punishment.
"We missed a great opportunity that night to connect with our fans and share with them a victory in a playoff series," general manager Kelly McCrimmon said Tuesday. "I've always felt in a playoff series, when you win a series, you galvanize with 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."
After confirming he was in New York earlier Tuesday to appeal, McCrimmon absolved members of the team's communications staff for their role in the situation.
"We have no explanation other than to say we were wrong and to assure you that it will not happen again," McCrimmon said "The league has spoke on the matter. We have spoke on the matter, and neither John nor I will be taking any questions on this."
As it stands, the Golden Knights will not pick until the third round of this year's NHL draft, which begins June 26 in Buffalo. The team traded its first-round pick to acquire defenseman Noah Hanifin in 2024.
Vegas is set to open the West finals against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. It's the Golden Knights' fifth conference finals appearance in nine years.
Tortorella, who had been working as an ESPN analyst, was hired in late March when the Golden Knights fired coach Bruce Cassidy while in playoff position.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.