Martin St-Louis appears to have made a surprising decision on Arber Xhekaj
It's finally the start of the Montreal Canadiens' training camp, and we are closely watching the decisions that Martin St-Louis and Kent Hughes will make.
Martin St-Louis regarding the lineup composition and the combinations deployed, and Kent Hughes concerning the players who will be kept or cut.
Earlier today, we spoke to you about an interesting first decision involving Patrik Laine, and now we've just received a clue about defenseman Arber Xhekaj.
Arber Xhekaj in pole position to play with David Savard on the top-4 defense
Even though I love Xhekaj, I have to admit this one surprises me a bit.
I expected to see a young player like Logan Mailloux or Lane Hutson start with David Savard, who is an incredible partner for a young defenseman, but it's the Sheriff who ultimately gets this spot alongside the very reliable veteran.
Given his progress last season, we must say it's well deserved. It's an interesting decision, and things are looking very good for Arber Xhekaj.
Xhekaj - Savard»
Considering the current top-4 mentioned above, it also means that Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron, Lane Hutson, and Jayden Struble are likely competing for the last two "chairs" on the Montreal Canadiens' defensive lineup.
It's going to be exciting! The competition will be fierce.
And you, what's your prediction for the Canadiens' top-6 defense for the first game of the regular season in October?
I can hardly see Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux being sent down to the Laval Rocket, but at the same time, I also have a hard time imagining Kent Hughes placing Justin Barron on NHL waivers.
Stay tuned!
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 652 ANSWERS Martin St-Louis appears to have made a surprising decision on Arber Xhekaj Which one is most likely to start with the Laval Rocket, in your opinion? | ||
| Lane Hutson | 106 | 16.3 % |
| Logan Mailloux | 129 | 19.8 % |
| Jayden Struble | 285 | 43.7 % |
| Justin Barron (he will be ignored on waivers) | 132 | 20.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
