The Montreal Canadiens' preseason has been tough for the team. They lost their key player Laine for two to three months after a questionnable hit from Pare in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the same game, David Reinbacher was also injured long-term; he shouldn't be back for five to six months.
That game left a very bad taste for the fans, and once again, things started off on the wrong foot last night. Kirby Dach, who missed the whole 2023-24 season due to a massive injury, received a dangerous hit to the head by Ridly Greig.
He left the game after the following hit:
However, he ended up returning on the ice and dropped the gloves against Greig.
You can view video of the fight between Kirby Dach and Ridly Greig here!
Before Dach got his revenge on Greig, Xhekaj took things into his own hands. For most of the game, Greig refused to answer for his hit and eventually, Xhekaj retaliated.
He took Tim Stutzle out of the game with a hit and Brady Tkachuk with a fight.
You can view the Xhekaj's hit on Stutzle as well as his short fight with Tkachuk here.
In a new development, the reporter Eric Engels finally shared an update on Xhekaj. Fans have been wondering if the NHL would impose a consequence on the Canadiens' defenseman for what he did. But according to Engels, Xhekaj won't face further consequences.
Here's what he wrote on X:
Details will follow.
POLL | ||
2 OCTOBRE | 832 ANSWERS Insider confirms Arber Xhekaj suspension fate after late hit on Tim Stutzle Do you think Arber Xhekaj should face consequences for his hit on Ottawa Senators' Tim Stutzle? | ||
Yes | 553 | 66.5 % |
No | 279 | 33.5 % |
List of polls |