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:
The Canadiens need Arber Xhekaj for his physical play, but he no longer seems to have a spot in the top 6
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.
«I'm the biggest supporter of Arber Xhekaj. I believe in those players. Right now, he's all over the place... That's okay, but we'll get him back on track.»
- 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 |
OCTOBRE 2 | 834 ANSWERS Bob Hartley Raises Intriguing Possibility of Converting Arber Xhekaj to Forward 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 |
|
13 minutes ago | By Elias Adaime Canadiens Make a Minor Change Involving Goalie Jakub Dobes |
|
2 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Arber Xhekaj Gets Called Out Live on TV for a Mistake Made Last Weekend |
|
5 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Connor McDavid Reportedly Furious and Allegedly Threatens Gary Bettman After Severe Suspension |
|
6 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Nick Suzuki Takes Matters Into His Own Hands With a Decision Typically Reserved for the Head Coach |
|
7 hours ago | By L. Honein Martin St-Louis Makes His Decision in Net Ahead of Tonight's Game vs. the Lightning |
|
9 hours ago | By L. Honein Crucial Decision Awaits Martin St-Louis Ahead of Key Game vs. Tampa Bay Lightning |
|
18 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Potential Montreal-New Jersey Trade Involving Jake Evans Hinges on a Key Condition |
|
21 hours ago | By Elias Adaime Major Development in Pittsburgh Sparks Kris Letang-to-Canadiens Rumors |
Previously on HabsFanatics