Bob Hartley Raises Intriguing Possibility of Converting Arber Xhekaj to Forward
An intriguing possibility has just surfaced for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, and it's not the first time we've heard it.
Many experts and analysts believe, unfortunately, that Xhekaj has not secured his spot among the team's top six regular defensemen.
Earlier today, Arpon Basu suggested that Arber Xhekaj's spot for opening night wasn't a lock:
To ensure that Arber Xhekaj is in the Habs' lineup, even if he has possibly lost his place on defense, Bob Hartley raises a possibility.
Arber Xhekaj moved to offense by Martin St-Louis?
Check out the commentary in question:
Could he be used as a forward?
- BPM sports/Bob Harltey
What about you? Do you think the Canadiens should convert Arber Xhekaj into a forward?
It's true that he absolutely should be suited up for the opening game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Yes, Jayden Struble has earned his spot in the lineup, at least based on all indications, but that doesn't mean the Sheriff should be in the stands for the first game of the season.
- Bob Hartley, on BPM Sports radio
Hartley also points out that it's not just Craig Berube's Maple Leafs who will be tough and physical, as several teams in the Eastern Conference have now become much more rugged.
What would you do if it were your decision? Would you play Arber Xhekaj? And if so, in what position would you play him, knowing it's likely a battle between him and Struble on defense?
| POLL | ||
What would you do with Arber Xhekaj? | ||
| I'm playing him as a forward | 226 | 27.1 % |
| I'm playing him as a defenseman | 565 | 67.7 % |
| I'm not playing him | 43 | 5.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
