Done for Xhekaj with the Canadiens? St-Louis drops a big hint about Arber' future

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MarcO
January 26, 2024 (10:46)

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The least that can be said is that Arber Xhekaj's big comeback with the Montreal Canadiens didn't go as planned.

He incurred several penalties at bad times and is often beaten in his defensive zone.

See in particular what Martin St-Louis said yesterday after the game against the New York Islanders.

Reporter: «Arber Xhekaj had two penalties tonight & he had one last game in the 3rd period. What do you think about it considering he just came back from the AHL?»

Coach Marty St-Louis: «I don't like it.»

Via HabsOnReddit.

Let's just say the head coach did not seem really satisfied with the work of his robust young defender.

"Can't help but dislike the three unnecessary penalties in less than two games that Arber Xhekaj has already incurred since his return from Laval." - Simon-Olivier Lorange, La Presse

It's true that the Sheriff plays like a young man who is extremely nervous, and it completely distorts his game.

"It's certainly not the NHL comeback that everyone would have hoped for Xhekaj. Many turnovers and a lot of unnecessary penalties. It's strange how, the moment he was called up, all the confidence he built up in the AHL vanished." - Cédrick Blais-Turcotte

In short, all this leads many fans and observers to think that his stay in Montreal could unfortunately come to an end sooner rather than later. He would therefore return to Laval quite quickly.

"It's painful for Xhekaj since his return to Montreal as he has taken three penalties. If this continues, he risks returning to Laval." - Kevin Lefrançois

And you, do you believe his days in Montreal are numbered and that he will return to the Rocket?