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Arber Xhekaj's Future Is No Longer with the Montreal Canadiens, According to JiC

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Elias Adaime
October 25, 2024  (10:02)
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Arber Xhekaj is going through a rough patch early this season with the Montreal Canadiens.

After a solid training camp, his game seems to have lost some confidence.

His undisciplined actions have cost the team games, which might explain his limited ice time since the season began.

With talents like Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson as offensive catalysts, Xhekaj's position is becoming uncertain.

Jean-Charles Lajoie from TVA Sports even published a quite striking article titled "The Future of Arber Xhekaj Is No Longer in Montreal," which speaks volumes.

JIC clearly thinks Xhekaj's time in Montreal is coming to a near end:

«Clearly, he hasn't had the start of the season he was hoping for. Why? Obviously, primarily due to his own mistakes, but it would be simplistic to blame it all on him.»

«He entered the preseason like a bull in rut he wanted to impose his rule he broke everything in his path.»

«Do you think everyone was thrilled with Arber's actions? You can believe it if you want, but I refuse to drink that Kool-Aid.»

«The actions taken by Arber were not exactly bright I think the traces of his behavior are visible on the ice when he plays this season.»

«I like Arber a lot, but I am convinced that he is not in the organization's medium-term plans.»

«There isn't a player or manager who likes losing a game due to pure and simple acts of indiscipline from one of the team's players»

Is It Time for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens to Trade Arber Xhekaj?

The expectations from Martin St-Louis and Stéphane Robidas seem to have pushed him to focus more on defense, at the expense of his offensive instincts.

At only 23 years old, Xhekaj is up against big names within the team: David Savard, Kaiden Guhle, and even younger players like Justin Barron and Logan Mailloux are vying for a spot.

The Canadiens find themselves with several promising defensemen, hinting at tough decisions for management. Xhekaj's situation raises questions about his future with a team strengthening its defense. Will he be able to adapt and meet expectations to stay in the club's plans? His ability to regain his level of play could be crucial for his career.

Xhekaj, 23 years old, has accumulated 0 points in 5 games this season, with a -4 rating and two penalty minutes.

However, the 6'4", 240-pound young defenseman brings more to the table than his stats might show.

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