Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj could face significant repercussions from the NHL after accidentally hitting an official during a game.
The rivalry between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL’s storied matchups, was once again intense during their recent encounter on Sunday night.
During the game, Xhekaj inadvertently struck a referee in the face amidst a scrum, which conflicts with the NHL’s strict zero-tolerance policy regarding assaults on officials. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has been dealing with various suspensions, fines, and criticism in recent weeks, and Xhekaj’s situation will likely require particular scrutiny given its circumstances.
Xhekaj has had a challenging season, with ongoing trade rumors surrounding him and doubts about his future with the Canadiens. He has been logging very limited ice time, and incidents like this could further reduce his opportunities on the ice.
Primarily recognized for his fighting ability, Xhekaj has recorded just two assists in 20 games this season and totals only 25 career points in 115 games. The Ontario native joined the Canadiens as a free agent in 2021 and has struggled to maintain a steady role and consistent performance.
It’s uncertain whether Xhekaj will receive a suspension, but due to the unique nature of the incident, he will likely attract more attention than others in similar situations. With a history of two AHL suspensions, his past could influence any potential punishment this time around.
The NHL has until 5 PM Monday to decide on a possible suspension for Xhekaj.
**A1:** Although Xhekaj’s strike to the referee was accidental, it still counts as hitting an official, which the NHL takes seriously regarding assaults on referees.
**Q2:** Yes, he has been suspended twice in the AHL and has faced multiple fines throughout his NHL career.
In conclusion, while Xhekaj did not intend to strike the referee during the scrum, he must face the consequences for his actions. If he wants to continue using his fists frequently, he needs to be more cautious, or risk further diminishing his playing time.
