Knights GM apologises for media breaches as NHL penalties stand
The NHL has upheld a second-round draft pick penalty and a $100,000 fine for head coach John Tortorella, while the club faces criticism from the NHL Coaches Association over its handling of former coach Bruce Cassidy.
Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon held a press conference in Denver on Tuesday to address two significant controversies surrounding the club, confirming that an appeal against National Hockey League penalties had been unsuccessful. The league imposed a second-round draft pick penalty and a $100,000 fine on head coach John Tortorella for failing to hold a post-game press conference following the team’s 5-1 series-clinching victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
McCrimmon accepted full responsibility for the media policy breach, stating that the decision not to have Tortorella available for the post-game session rested with the coach and himself. He explicitly cleared the communications team of fault, noting they had made alternative arrangements to accommodate media access within the tight confines of the dressing room. "We have no explanation other than to say we were wrong and to assure you that it will not happen again," McCrimmon said, adding that neither he nor Tortorella would answer further questions on the matter.
The general manager also addressed ongoing criticism regarding the club’s refusal to grant permission for other teams to interview former head coach Bruce Cassidy during the playoffs. McCrimmon defended the stance, asserting that the organisation’s priority is maintaining focus on the Stanley Cup Playoffs and that Cassidy understands this position. He noted that while teams have requested permission to speak with Cassidy, the club has remained consistent in its refusal to disrupt the current roster’s preparation.
The NHL Coaches Association issued a statement supporting Cassidy, describing the denial of interview permissions as "unprecedented." The association argued that coaches who remain under contract but are no longer working for their club should not be prevented from pursuing other employment opportunities. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks have all sought to interview Cassidy, with the Pacific Division rivals facing the most direct competition from the Knights.
McCrimmon provided no updates on the injury status of forward Mark Stone or defenseman Jeremy Lauzon, reiterating that Tortorella does not discuss player health publicly. The head coach sat beside the general manager during the conference but offered no comment on the matter. As the team prepares for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche, McCrimmon indicated that Tortorella will attend the post-game news conference, though the extent of his comments remains uncertain.
