NHL Player Safety makes shocking decision on punishment for Arber Xhekaj

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Liam McCormick
September 29, 2024 (10:49)

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Moments ago, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced a shocking lack of punishment for Arber Xhekaj.

In last night's preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Patrik Laine was scarily injured by a knee on knee collision from Cedric Pare, and Xhekaj was out for revenge. Xhekaj chased down Pare well after the play, and although Pare wasn't willing to fight, Xhekaj began to unload on him. It was a bush league level scene, but the NHL is only fining Xhekaj $3,385.

Xhekaj stood over top of Pare continued to punch the back of his head as they fell to the ice. It was a really heated scene after the Laine injury, and Xhekaj's response was arguably warranted. However, this was a full on violent display that needs to be a suspension. Fans have compared Xhekaj's actions to that of the infamous incident between Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore - and while it's not that extreme - it is comparable.

It's an absolute joke that this violent and retaliatory play with clear intent to injure was only met by a fine from the Department of Player Safety. It's not uncommon for George Parros to make poor decisions, but this one seems more than questionable off the bat.

Fans took to social media immediately to rip apart Player Safety for the ultra-lenient decision with Xhekaj. Some even called for George Parros, the head of the department, to be fired.

After the game, Leafs forward Cedric Pare was thankfully not injured, and actually in good spirits in a post game interview. Pare even cracked a smile, seeming to enjoy the stir he caused in the game.

The 23 year old defenceman Xhekaj is an extremely physical player, and this incident will definitely earn him some fans in Montreal. Especially against their rival Leafs.