Montreal Canadiens' Xhekaj Fined for Conduct During Preseason Matchup Against Maple Leafs
In a recent preseason matchup, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj found himself in hot water following an altercation with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare. The incident, which took place during the first period of Toronto's tight 2-1 victory over Montreal, resulted in a series of penalties and a hefty fine for Xhekaj.
The 23-year-old defenseman, who stands an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds, was fined $3,385.42 for unsportsmanlike conduct—the maximum allowable under the league's regulations. This financial penalty will be directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, a stark reminder of the consequences that come with stepping over the line.
Xhekaj received multiple penalties during the game, including a minor penalty, a 10-minute misconduct for instigating the confrontation, and a major penalty for fighting. Following these infractions, he was handed a game misconduct, removing him from further participation in a match that saw heavy emotions and physicality right from the start.
Despite these disciplinary issues, Xhekaj has shown promise on the ice. Over the course of his career, he has scored eight goals and contributed 15 assists across 95 games. Additionally, he has accumulated a striking 182 penalty minutes, underscoring his physical style of play. His performance last season was noteworthy, tallying 10 points with three goals and seven assists over 44 games. Even more remarkable, he led his team with 81 penalty minutes, an indicator of his aggressive and assertive presence on the ice.
Beyond his penalty statistics, Xhekaj demonstrated significant value for the Canadiens. He was second on the team in plus-minus rating at plus-6 and ranked fourth in hits with 125. These statistics show that while he may sometimes step over the line, his physical play style is an integral part of his contribution to the team's overall performance.
In the offseason, the Canadiens showed their faith in Xhekaj by securing him with a new two-year contract worth $2.6 million. This commitment by the franchise highlights their belief in his potential and his importance to the team's long-term strategy.
As the Canadiens gear up for the regular season, Xhekaj's recent actions serve as a critical juncture in his young career. Balancing his rugged style with discipline will be crucial, not only to avoid future fines and penalties but to fully harness his potential and value to the team. His ability to deliver on both fronts will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the season progresses.