Montreal Canadiens' Xhekaj Fined for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Against Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has faced disciplinary actions following an unsportsmanlike conduct incident during a preseason matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Xhekaj, 23, was fined $3,385.42, which is the maximum allowable under the league's regulations. The incident, which involved Toronto forward Cedric Pare, took place in the first period of the game, which Toronto ultimately won 2-1.
The altercation began with Xhekaj instigating the confrontation, for which he received a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct. The situation escalated quickly, leading him to be assessed a major penalty for fighting. Additionally, Xhekaj was handed a game misconduct, highlighting the severity of the incident in the eyes of the officials.
The financial penalty imposed on Xhekaj will be directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, a standard protocol when fines are levied for such conduct. This initiative provides support to players facing hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that the funds are put to meaningful use.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Xhekaj is known for his physical presence on the ice. Over his 95 career games, he has scored eight goals and contributed 15 assists, accumulating a total of 182 penalty minutes. His aggressive style of play has made him a notable figure for the Canadiens, both for his defensive capabilities and his willingness to engage physically whenever necessary.
Last season, Xhekaj's stats included 10 points—three goals and seven assists—in 44 games. He also led his team with 81 penalty minutes, underlining his role as an enforcer on the ice. Despite the penalties, Xhekaj managed to maintain a strong performance overall, ranking second on the Canadiens in plus-minus rating at plus-6 and securing the fourth spot in hits with 125.
The young defenseman, whose promising career continues to unfold, signed a new two-year contract worth $2.6 million this July. This contract speaks to the team's confidence in his abilities and their belief in his potential to play a crucial role in the Canadiens' future success.
While incidents like the one with Pare do put a spotlight on his disciplinary record, there's no denying Xhekaj's value to the team. Balancing his aggressive playstyle with strategic contributions, he remains a significant asset for the Canadiens, and the recent fine may serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure on the ice.
As the regular season approaches, both fans and the team will be watching how Xhekaj channels his intensity into positive performances. The hope is that his vigor will continue to benefit the Canadiens, undistracted by future penalties or misconducts. For now, the focus remains on translating his evident skill and robust physical play into winning efforts for Montreal.