NHL DoPS Releases Verdict on Arber Xhekaj's Potential Suspension After Striking Referee During Game
The NHL Department of Player Safety has revealed their verdict for Arber Xhekaj after he accidentally struck a referee during a scrum.
The NHL DPoS has been busy recently, handing out suspensions, fines, and generally being in the headlines for something. Their latest venture involves an enforcer who has also been making headlines but not in a good way.
Arber Xhekaj could have potentially faced a suspension for striking a referee during a scrum albeit accidentally. That's a big no-no from the NHL and punishment could be headed his way. However, the NHL has decided not to hand out any further punishment as the 5PM deadline has officially passed.
The incident occurred when Xhekaj ended up getting into a scrum with fellow giant Mark Kastelic and things came to blows. Xhekaj was going for a shot on Kastelic when he ended up punching the referee who was trying to separate Xhekaj and Kastelic.
It was a rough looking shot that ended up taking both men out of the game, given roughing penalties and ten minute game misconducts. It's not the first time that Xhekaj has had to deal with getting tossed although, his team probably doesn't notice his absence.
Playing only about 14 minutes a night, while Xhekaj does add some spark to the team, his underlying metrics aren't good per Natural Stat Trick. He's got three assists, but he doesn't offer much defensively and his team is statistically worse with him on the ice.
The Hamilton, Ontario native was signed as a free agent by Montreal in 2021 and extended his deal with them earlier this summer. For his career he has played 116 games, with 8 goals and 26 points to go along with 219 PIM.
It's not the first time Xhekaj has gotten himself into trouble, and is known for having a bit of a dirty streak when it comes to his type of play.
FAQ: NHL Decision On Arber Xhekaj's Punch To Referee
Q1: What was the NHL's decision on Arber Xhekaj?
A1: The NHL decided not to punish Arber Xhekaj for his accidental strike to the referee during the Boston/Montreal game, as they have not issued a statement before the 5PM deadline.
Q2: Has Arber Xhekaj ever been suspended before?
A2: He has twice been suspended in the AHL but has not been yet suspended in the NHL although he has received multiple fines.
In closing, the NHL has decided to forgo punishing Arber Xhekaj for accidentally striking a referee. They league determined that it was accidental and no supplemental discipline was to be handed out.
