Canadiens D Arber Xhekaj penalized by NHL for unsportsmanlike behavior
The National Hockey League penalized Montreal Canadiens defender Arber Xhekaj the highest possible amount, $3,385.42, for unsportsmanlike behavior towards Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cedric Pare, as announced by the league's department of player safety on Sunday.
The fine, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, was a result of Xhekaj's actions during the first period of Toronto's 2-1 preseason win against Montreal on Saturday.
He received a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for instigating, a major penalty for fighting, and a game misconduct.
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The money will be directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
23-year-old Xhekaj has accumulated eight goals, 15 assists, and 182 penalty minutes in 95 career games with Montreal over the past two seasons, after signing as an undrafted free agent.
Last season, he recorded 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and a team-leading 81 penalty minutes in 44 games. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Xhekaj ranked second on the team in plus-minus rating (plus-6) and fourth in hits (125).
In July, the restricted free agent signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with the Canadiens.
