Martin St. Louis Makes Things Clear On Arber Xhekaj in Scathing Interview

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Elias Edmonson
February 8, 2024 (2:14 PM)

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We had a very interesting moment in the press conference in Brossard, in the last few minutes when the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens really opened up about the Arber Xhekaj file.

Arber Xhekaj sparingly used by Martin St-Louis due to his mistakes?

He gave a lengthy answer, particularly when asked about his decisions regarding the Sheriff, who played just 12 minutes in the last game.

"You know, I always say this... Make mistakes, and stop making the same one... You have to learn from your mistakes a bit, you know... So no, he had a good time in Laval, I saw him play in Laval and I think he needs more reps at this stage, to really get used to the NHL game which is faster."

- Martin St-Louis, on Arber Xhekaj

See his full interview:

A very complete and interesting intervention by St-Louis, who knows his game well.

He also added that Xhekaj has shown encouraging signs, that mistakes will happen, but he must learn not to always make the same ones.

He insists that Xhekaj is committed, wants to learn, and has a good attitude.

Go Sheriff!

Xhekaj, 23 years old, 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds, is becoming less and less a trusted man for his coach, and it's a shame. He has 4 points in 20 games this season, with a +3 differential and 53 penalty minutes.