NHL Levies Maximum Fine on Canadiens' Xhekaj
In a decision that underscores the NHL's commitment to maintaining discipline on the ice, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has been fined $3,385.42 for unsportsmanlike conduct. The fine, the maximum allowable under the league's regulations, was imposed following an incident involving Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare during a preseason matchup.
The altercation took place in the first period of Toronto's narrow 2-1 victory over Montreal. Xhekaj's actions did not go unnoticed by the officials, resulting in several penalties. He was handed a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for instigating the confrontation, a major penalty for fighting, and a game misconduct.
The financial penalty imposed on Xhekaj will be directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, a practice that underscores the league's broader commitment to welfare even as it enforces its rules.
Rising Star with a Tough Edge
At just 23 years old, Arber Xhekaj has quickly made his mark with the Canadiens. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, he brings both physical presence and skill to the ice. Since signing with Montreal as an undrafted free agent, Xhekaj has tallied eight goals and 15 assists over 95 career games, accumulating a substantial 182 penalty minutes along the way.
Last season, Xhekaj notched 10 points, including three goals and seven assists, over 44 games. His hard-nosed style of play resulted in a team-high 81 penalty minutes, highlighting his role as both a contributor and an enforcer on the ice. Beyond his scoring and penalty minutes, Xhekaj was second on the Canadiens in plus-minus rating at plus-6 and ranked fourth in hits with 125.
A Fresh Contract and Future Prospects
Despite the recent disciplinary issues, the Canadiens have shown a clear commitment to Xhekaj. In July, he signed a new two-year contract worth $2.6 million, reflecting the organization's belief in his potential to develop further as he gains more experience in the league.
As the Canadiens prepare for the upcoming regular season, Xhekaj's role will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. While his aggressive style provides an edge, balancing that aggression with discipline will be key to his continued success and the overall cohesion of the team.
For now, the fine serves as a reminder to Xhekaj and players around the league of the importance of sportsmanship and control in the heat of competition. The NHL's action sends a clear message: while physicality and toughness have a place in hockey, there are boundaries that must be respected.
As fans eagerly await the start of the regular season, the incident involving Xhekaj adds a layer of intensity to the age-old rivalry between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs. For Xhekaj, it’s a moment to reflect and reset, ensuring that his promising career continues on an upward trajectory.