Arber Xhekaj ejected for hit to head of Tim Stutzle
(Screenshot/ TSN Sports)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Arber Xhekaj was ejected for a preseason hit on Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle
  • Xhekaj was initially assessed a five-minute penalty for a hit to the head, but it was later changed to interference
  • Read on for more details, plus video of the Xhekaj hit

This isn’t a great look for Arber Xhekaj.

The young Habs defenseman was ejected from Tuesday’s preseason game for a controversial hit on Ottawa Senators’ forward Tim Stutzle.

The incident occurred during the middle period of a heated contest at Bell Centre. Several Senators players, including Stutzle, left the game with injuries.

The play unfolded when Stutzle received a pass and quickly moved the puck while heading up the ice. As he released the puck, Xhekaj stepped up and delivered a huge hit that sent Stutzle flying. The hit appeared to be high and late, making contact with Stutzle’s head.

You can check out the Xhekaj hit on Stutzle below:

Video:

Xhekaj was initially assessed a five-minute penalty for a hit to the head. However, after review, the officials changed the call to a five-minute interference penalty. Xhekaj also received a game misconduct and was ejected from the contest.

The NHL Department of Player Safety will likely review the hit to determine if supplemental discipline is warranted. However, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, no further discipline is expected for Xhekaj.

It doesn’t help that the Montreal agitator was recently fined for attacking a Toronto player who injured Montreal star Patrik Laine.

Stützle left the game with the injury and didn’t return. According to the Sens, Stützle sustained an upper-body injury that included a cut on the bridge of his nose. He’s expected to be re-evaluated Wednesday.

There has been discussion that Stutzle hit himself in the face with his own stick, and that’s what caused the injury. However, this type of hit still seems unnecessary for the preseason. Xhekaj tracked Stutzle from across the ice and tried to blow him up with a massive body-check.

The Montreal fan favorite avoided a suspension for his actions against Toronto, and it appears he may dodge supplemental discipline once again for the Stutzle hit. We’ll provide an update if anything changes on that front.