Arber Xhekaj's suspension fate confirmed after injuring Tim Stutzle last night

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Tom Banks
October 2, 2024  (10:28)

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Photo credit: TSN

Arber Xhekaj has been in the spotlight once again after a hit on Ottawa's Tim Stutzle, but he may escape a suspension once again.

The Montreal Canadiens have been in the spotlight of the NHL over the past few days with the Patrik Laine/Cedric Pare/Arber Xhekaj situation, but just hours after it was announced Laine would not need to undergo surgery, the young Canadiens enforcer was at it again. This time, it was a hit on Tim Stutzle that drew the attention of the NHL world, with many believing a suspension was inevitable this time.

The situation drew widespread criticism on social media, and unsurprisingly, given that it was a pre-season game, the blue liner received a major penalty and a game midsconduct. Given his actions in the last few days, the overwhelming expectation was a suspension for Xhekaj, but according to insider Frank Seravalli, that is very unlikely to happen.

Once again, Xhekaj has somehow escaped a suspension for a clear violation of the NHL rules, but this time he targeted an NHL star in a meaningless pre-season matchup, something that just isn't necessary before the regular season begins. It's unclear at this point what Xhekaj would have to do in a pre-season game to face a suspension, but with the regular season looming, he'll have plenty of opponents ready to react to him, including Ryan Reaves and the Toronto Maple Leafs in game one of the season.

There may be angles of the hit that show it's not as bad as it quite looks, but in a pre-season game, it's an unnecessary look for Xhekaj, so let's hope that Montreal keep him out of their last pre-season matchup and get him ready to face the music when the regular season begins.

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Previously

Washington Capitals make official decision with 2024 first-round pick Terik Parascak

Gary Bettman addresses possible major changes to the 82-game NHL schedule

Montreal Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj kicked out of game for dirty headshot on Tim Stutzle

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OCTOBRE 2   |   114 ANSWERS Arber Xhekaj's suspension fate confirmed after injuring Tim Stutzle last night Should Arber Xhekaj have faced a suspension for his latest hit on Tim Stutzle?
Yes	64	56.1 %
No	50	43.9 %
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