Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj recently found himself under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The 23-year-old has been fined $3,385.42 for what the league deemed as unsportsmanlike conduct. This fine comes as a result of an altercation with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare during a preseason matchup.
The Incident
The incident took place in the first period of a closely contested game, which saw Toronto edging out Montreal 2-1. The altercation led to a series of penalties for Xhekaj. Initially, he received a minor penalty for instigating the confrontation. This was quickly escalated to a 10-minute misconduct and a major penalty for fighting. Adding to his tally, Xhekaj also received a game misconduct, which saw him exiting the game early.
The Financial Penalty
The fine imposed on Xhekaj represents the maximum allowable under the league’s regulations. While the fine itself may not put a significant dent in his finances, it nonetheless sends a clear message about the league’s stance on unsportsmanlike behavior. According to the league, the financial penalty will be directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides monetary support to players in need.
Xhekaj's On-Ice Presence
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Xhekaj is known for his physical play on the ice. Over the course of his career, he has scored eight goals and contributed 15 assists over 95 games. Additionally, he has accumulated 182 penalty minutes, making him a frequent visitor to the penalty box.
Last season, Xhekaj made notable contributions to the Canadiens, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 44 games. His aggressive play earned him 81 penalty minutes, the highest on his team. Yet, his contributions were not solely limited to scoring and penalties. He boasted a plus-minus rating of plus-6, second best on the team, and also ranked fourth on the team in hits with 125.
The New Contract
Despite his recent brush with league discipline, Xhekaj’s future with the Canadiens seems secure. In July, he signed a new two-year contract worth $2.6 million. The contract is a testament to the value the Canadiens see in him, both as a physical presence on the ice and as a player with untapped potential.
Looking Forward
While the incident with Cedric Pare may blemish his record, Xhekaj has the opportunity to learn and turn over a new leaf this season. The Canadiens will undoubtedly rely on his aggressive play and defensive skills as they navigate the complexities of the season ahead. Xhekaj's evolution as a player, balancing physicality with gameplay intelligence, will be an area to watch closely.
In the world of professional sports, every game, every shift, and every decision on the ice is scrutinized. Xhekaj's journey will be no different. It remains to be seen how he will respond to this fine and whether it will catalyze a change in his approach to the game.
For the Montreal Canadiens and their fans, there is hope that Xhekaj's physical prowess and spirited play will translate into greater success on the ice, free of the disciplinary issues that have recently haunted him.