The NHL fined Tortorella $100,000 for not attending the required postgame press conference after Vegas’ Game 6 win over the Anaheim Ducks. In addition, Vegas was cited for failing to provide mandatory locker-room media access, resulting in one of the league’s stiffer non-player penalties in recent playoff history. After appealing, the league upheld the punishment, leaving the Golden Knights without the No. 63 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Speaking on The Cam & Strick Podcast, McPhee took responsibility for the missteps while questioning the severity of the penalty. He said, “We were wrong on a couple of matters there, and Torts was wrong in not doing it. He deserved a fine, and we deserved something. I thought the second-round pick was too high.” He also noted that the organization challenged the ruling but ultimately accepted the NHL’s decision, adding, “That’s the decision that was made, and it should not have happened.”
The episode highlighted a breakdown in communication within the Golden Knights’ organization. McPhee explained that team executives were unaware Tortorella had skipped the media obligation until it was too late to intervene. “We just won a series. Everybody’s happy,” he recalled. “Torts decided to blow off the press conference, and unfortunately, Kelly and I didn’t know about it until Kelly was on the bus.” He added that he learned about the incident the following morning on television, emphasizing that the situation should not have occurred and noting that the team paid a price for it.
This controversy came amid a successful playoff run for Tortorella, who had guided Vegas to a strong finish, including a 7-0-1 record after taking over from Bruce Cassidy, and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes. The incident underscored that playoff protocols extend beyond the on-ice action; teams are expected to meet league media obligations regardless of emotions or competitive circumstances.
Tortorella did not return for the 2026-27 season after his short-term contract expired. While a coaching change was anticipated, the lost draft asset remains a lasting consequence. McPhee’s remarks indicate that the organization accepts responsibility for the missteps, even as it believes the punishment may have exceeded the original mistake.
