Habs defenceman Xhekaj fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after attack on Maple Leafs forward Pare

The NHL has fined Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj $3,385.42 US for unsportsmanlike conduct against Toronto forward Cedric Pare during a pre-season game Saturday in Montreal.

The amount is the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the NHL Players' Association, and the money will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Xhekaj was assessed a minor penalty and a 10-minute misconduct for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct at 4:43 of the first period after he grabbed Pare and hit him with several punches.

Xhekaj's actions came shortly after Canadiens forward Patrik Laine left the game with an injury after a knee-on-knee hit from Pare.

Pare was not assessed a penalty for the hit.

The Maple Leafs won the game 2-1.