A heated exchange between Montreal Canadiens defenseman Florian Xhekaj and Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner Simon Mermis erupted into a physical altercation during a November 22, 2025, NHL contest.The incident occurred at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, resulting in both players being assessed fighting majors.
The bout unfolded amidst a tightly contested divisional matchup, escalating tensions already present in the longstanding Canadiens-maple Leafs rivalry. Xhekaj, known for his physical play and willingness to defend teammates, engaged with Mermis following a scrum near the Toronto net. The fight, characterized by a flurry of punches exchanged by both players, lasted approximately 30 seconds before officials intervened.Both Xhekaj and Mermis were ejected from the game, leaving their respective teams shorthanded.
This on-ice confrontation adds another chapter to the intense history between these two Original Six franchises. While fighting’s role in hockey continues to be debated, moments like these often serve as emotional catalysts for teams and galvanize fan bases. The NHL will likely review the incident for potential supplementary discipline,which could include fines or suspensions for either player. The outcome of any league-imposed penalties will be announced within the coming days.
