Arber Xhekaj is known for his edgy playing style and his commitment to standing up for his Montreal Canadiens teammates. However, today he took things a bit too far with an incident involving Tim Stutzle. Xhekaj delivered a head hit to Stutzle in open ice during a preseason game against the Ottawa Senators, which led to his ejection. Earlier in the game, Kirby Dach had suffered a significant hit, and some viewed Xhekaj’s actions as retaliatory.
This isn’t the first time Xhekaj has faced consequences for his aggressive behavior. Just days ago, he was fined for a rough altercation involving Cedric Pare after a hit on Patrik Laine. While he aims to protect his teammates, his approach may be excessive at times, potentially making him a target for other players in the league.
Only time will determine if Xhekaj can sustain his position in the league given his style of play. The league may need to intervene eventually, and following his recent fine, it’s possible that he could receive a suspension for his hit. The decision now lies with the National Hockey League.
