TSN broadcaster Bryan Hayes strongly criticized the NHL for not suspending Montreal Canadiens Arber Xhekaj after his controversial hits in recent preseason games.

Xhekaj delivered an open-ice hit to the head of Senators’ Tim Stützle in a preseason matchup on Tuesday. The hit knocked Stützle’s helmet off and incited an immediate response from Senators captain Brady Tkachuk. Xhekaj was assessed a game misconduct but faced no supplemental discipline from the league.

Earlier in the preseason, Xhekaj attacked Toronto Maple Leafs’ Cedric Pare in retaliation for a knee-on-knee collision between Pare and Habs teammate Patrick Laine. Xhekaj piled up 27 penalty minutes and the maximum fine allowed by the CBA.

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Speaking on Sportsnet’s ‘That’s Hockey’, Hayes blasted the NHL’s response as ineffective.

“I think the league probably secretly, behind closed doors, loves this kind of stuff,” Hayes said. “They love the Xhekaj stuff, they love the Rempe stuff because it gets people buzzing, and that’s why they don’t act on it. I think it’s wrong not to act on it.”

Hayes argued the league’s fining system is useless and the lack of suspensions sends the wrong message. He emphasized these incidents deserve stiffer punishment to protect player safety and uphold respect in the game.

Montreal Canadiens’ Cole Caufield defends Arber Xhekaj

Cole Caufield came to the defense of teammate Arber Xhekaj following recent controversial incidents.

Xhekaj has developed a reputation around the league for his physical style of play and willingness to defend his teammates, sometimes crossing the line.

“Obviously, there’s no intent to injure, there’s no intent to hurt anybody, but he’s a protector,” Caufield said as per Sportsnet. He’s a guy that you want on your team, that everybody respects, and I know he’s respected around the league. He’s physical, and he brings a lot of other things too.

“There’s right and wrong ways to go about it, but at the end of the day he’s fighting for one of us and he’s always ready to go to war for whatever happens.” he added.

Caufield went on to praise Arber Xhekaj’s loyalty and consistency in defending his teammates, calling it rare to have someone so committed. While Xhekaj’s emotions have gotten the best of him at times, Caufield maintains the team stands together and Xhekaj is the best example of that.