Michael Pezzetta Injured During Training Altercation with Arber Xhekaj…

Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Pezzetta was sidelined briefly following a minor injury sustained during a training altercation with teammate Arber Xhekaj on March 17, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a physical drill, saw both players become entangled after a hard hit, leading to a brief but intense scuffle.

While the altercation itself was quickly broken up by coaches and teammates, Pezzetta appeared to sustain a minor injury during the exchange. Initial reports indicated that the forward suffered a slight strain to his lower back, though the severity of the injury remains minimal. Pezzetta was seen walking off the ice with some discomfort, but he did not require immediate medical attention.

Head coach Martin St. Louis addressed the incident after practice, noting that it was a routine part of intense training sessions. “Sometimes, things get heated, especially in competitive drills, but these moments are part of the game,” said St. Louis. “Michael just tweaked his back a bit, but we expect him to be fine. He’s a tough player, and these kinds of things happen in practice.”

Pezzetta was reportedly able to move around without much issue shortly after the practice, and there was no indication that the injury would keep him out of action for any extended period. The team is expected to monitor the situation, but Pezzetta is not anticipated to miss any games.

Teammates and coaching staff quickly rallied around Pezzetta after the incident, and the mood remained positive within the locker room. Both Pezzetta and Xhekaj appeared to have already put the altercation behind them, with the two players seen sharing a lighthearted conversation shortly after the practice.

This minor injury adds to the list of the usual bumps and bruises that players experience throughout the season. As the Canadiens continue to prepare for the stretch run toward the playoffs, the team will be focused on maintaining its physicality while keeping players healthy for the final games.

Pezzetta, known for his gritty play and aggressive style, is expected to recover fully in the coming days, and the Canadiens will look to keep their intensity high as they battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.