Arber Xhekaj may have just lost his spot in the Canadiens lineup, according to Arpon Basu
It has become an annual tradition at Canadiens training camp, but Arber Xhekaj continues to find new ways to make a name for himself.
Personally, I love him, and I believe what he brings to the team is absolutely essential.
He didn't have the most incredible camp, but the combination of assets he brings to the CH makes him indispensable in my opinion.
The impact of his presence is difficult to explain. It is felt.
Respect.
- Anthony Martineau
In short, according to journalist Arpon Basu, the Sheriff may have lost his place in the Canadiens lineup, at least as a regular player, for the season opener.
Arber Xhekaj pushed aside by Jayden Struble in Martin St-Louis' lineup?
Here's Basu's exact statement:
It's true that Struble is having a great camp, and it's true that he brings an interesting dimension, but I still think that the Canadiens need Arber Xhekaj in their lineup every night.
And if we rely on Basu's comments:
It seems clear that the battle is between Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj, and it appears Struble is set to win that battle (which would leave Xhekaj out of the lineup for the season opener).
The Sheriff, who started training camp on the second defensive pairing with David Savard, would have slid down the ranks.
If Xhekaj has indeed lost his spot in the top-6, what's next for him? The Laval Rocket or the Bell Centre stands?
It will be interesting to watch, but it would be really disappointing to face the Toronto Maple Leafs without Arber Xhekaj in a week.
And you, do you think Xhekaj deserves to play all 82 games?
Also, Eric Engels reported that Xhekaj dodged a bullet and will escape suspension for his late hit on Tim Stutzle:
| POLL | ||
Where do you see Arber Xhekaj starting the season? | ||
| Top-4 on defense | 203 | 22.2 % |
| As a 5th or 6th defenseman | 513 | 56 % |
| As a 7th defenseman | 123 | 13.4 % |
| With the Laval Rocket | 77 | 8.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
