Suspension for Arber Xhekaj: Martin St-Louis comments on the hit

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David St-Jean
October 2, 2024 (8:54)

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During the match on Saturday against the Maple Leafs, Arber Xhekaj came to Patrik Laine's aid by going directly after Cédric Paré a few shifts later.

Without warning, he jumped him, and the Maple Leafs defenseman refused to engage in a fight. Martin St-Louis was not happy with how things turned out, and he made it known to Arber.

The verdict came down the next day, and the Canadiens' defenseman received a fine for his action. It was deserved, and it also served as a warning from the Department of Player Safety. It could have been worse.

In the next game, on Tuesday night, Kirby Dach was targeted by Ridley Greig. The Senators player hit him very close to the head while the Canadiens forward no longer had possession of the puck.

Fortunately, it was more fear than harm, and Dach returned to the game, but Arber decided to take justice into his own hands by hitting Tim Stutzle close to the head in return.

I don't want to pretend that it was intentional, but the circumstances are not in Arber Xhekaj's favor, and the league will certainly review it. He received a fine the previous game, and had he been suspended, this hit would never have happened.

According to Martin St-Louis, it was simply a hockey play.

The coach defended his player, but I don't think it will change the verdict. Arber is very aware of his size, and he had plenty of time to see Stutzle coming.

I really hope I'm wrong when I say that Arber Xhekaj will be suspended.