The Montreal Canadiens are currently in rebuild mode and are making strategic moves to become competitive in the coming seasons. With players like Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, Kaiden Guhle, and Lane Hutson as part of their promising future, the team is on an upward trajectory and could become much more exciting to watch as soon as this season. The recent acquisition of Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets signals their clear intention to push for a postseason appearance. Amid these positive developments, there’s another player on their depth chart who has quietly become a key asset to their blue line: Arber Xhekaj.
Xhekaj’s journey to the NHL is one of the most unique stories in recent memory. After going undrafted into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he worked at Costco during the summer while continuing to chase his hockey dream. After signing with the Canadiens, Xhekaj quickly became a fan favorite, known as a physical defender who wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves. Over time, he demonstrated that he was more than just an enforcer, maintaining a solid two-way game as he fought to secure his place in the NHL.
In a recent episode of the Spittin Chiclets podcast, Xhekaj shared insights about his unconventional path to the NHL and recounted stories from an All-Star Game where he dropped the gloves and immediately had to speak with scouts. One notable revelation was that Xhekaj received an offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs before ultimately choosing to sign with the Canadiens, his favorite team. He mentioned that he also considered the Florida Panthers, but despite external pressure, he waited for the Canadiens’ offer, a decision that proved to be the right one.
Xhekaj’s Career May Have Played Out Much Differently With Maple Leafs
The Canadiens have managed Xhekaj’s development effectively, as evidenced by his strong performance at the NHL level. Had he signed with the Maple Leafs, his career might have taken a different path. Given Toronto’s status as a consistent contender at the top of their division, Xhekaj might have spent more time in the American Hockey League (AHL) before getting a shot in the NHL. In contrast, the rebuilding Canadiens offered him a better opportunity to break into the NHL sooner.
Now with the Canadiens, Xhekaj has established himself as a crucial part of both their current lineup and their future plans. His ability to combine physicality with solid defensive play is a skill set that has quickly endeared him to Habs fans. His relentless drive to improve and his journey from the bottom to the top make it clear that he’s not going to give up his spot easily. While the Canadiens may not make the playoffs this season, the team they’re building could soon become one of the toughest and most physical squads to face on a nightly basis.
