However, disturbing news arose from an earlier season fight with Arber Xhekaj of the Montreal Canadiens. Habs fans accused Desharnais of intentionally injuring Xhekaj during the fight, which he denied.
Despite the disappointment of his first season, Desharnais discussed it on Montreal's 98.5 FM and shared how the accusations caused him mental distress. Habs fans even sent death threats to the rookie defenseman, which was unacceptable.