Arber Xhekaj is generating buzz around the NHL, and not just because of his imposing 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame. The gritty defenseman, who has not filed for arbitration, is drawing inquiries from multiple teams, as reported by BPM Sports and Marco D’Amico of RG.org. His decision not to seek arbitration may indicate a desire for a more prominent role, especially given the crowded blueline situation with the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens’ general manager, Kent Hughes, has made it clear he is not keen on trading Xhekaj. However, there appears to be a disconnect between the front office’s perspective and that of head coach Martin St-Louis. While Hughes values Xhekaj’s contributions, St-Louis has utilized him sparingly, as evidenced by Xhekaj’s absence in the third round of the playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes and his mere 1:52 of ice time in a game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Despite being a solid teammate who never voices complaints, Xhekaj’s lack of arbitration filing suggests he may be open to exploring opportunities where he could have a more significant impact. The Canadiens already have four left-shot defensemen under contract for the upcoming season: Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Jayden Struble. Additionally, Adam Engstrom is on the verge of making the jump to the NHL, complicating Xhekaj’s path to regular ice time.
If Xhekaj were a right-shot defenseman, his situation might be different. Currently, Noah Dobson is the only right-shot blueliner signed long-term with the Canadiens. The organization is optimistic about David Reinbacher’s potential NHL debut this season, while Alex Carrier is entering the final year of his contract. Furthermore, Russian prospect Bogdan Konyushkov has been signed but will spend the season in the KHL, with plans to join the Canadiens in the future.
Xhekaj’s representatives are likely seeking clarity on his future with the team, but the conversation may not be reaching the right ears. While Hughes can negotiate contracts, the allocation of ice time ultimately lies with the coaching staff. This puts Xhekaj in a precarious position. He is fond of the Canadiens and their direction, particularly with his brother potentially making the NHL leap soon. However, if he prioritizes his career trajectory, a move to a team that is willing to utilize him more effectively could be in his best interest.
Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.
