In the absence of Noah Dobson, the Montreal Canadiens’ defense has stepped up. While Lane Hutson’s overtime winner against Andrei Vasilevskiy is a prime example, defenseman Arber Xhekaj is also proving his potential as a force in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, even with limited ice time.
Xhekaj has always carried high expectations, seen as a fitting defenseman for Montreal’s rebuild. His physical style aligns well with the demands of playoff hockey. While earlier in his career and this season he sometimes found himself out of the lineup due to perceived limitations and crossing physical boundaries, his recent play suggests a significant evolution.
The Canadiens’ blue line is a competitive space, with the additions of Dobson, Logan Mailloux, and David Reinbacher, alongside established players like Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier. This has often positioned Xhekaj as a sixth or seventh defenseman.
Instead of trying to overextend his game to secure a spot, Xhekaj is now playing to his strengths. As Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com and Full Press Media highlighted on TSN Radio in Montreal, Xhekaj is most effective when he sticks to his game.
During an interview, Xhekaj’s composure and self-awareness were praised, with one commentator noting it was the best they’d seen him play in a Canadiens uniform. Biringer elaborated, stating that Xhekaj excels when he plays within himself, focusing on his assigned tasks, being physical, and avoiding unnecessary penalties. This controlled aggression, a result of growth over the past year, is key to his success.
Xhekaj’s game is about playing smart hockey, utilizing his physicality without taking himself out of position or drawing costly penalties. This approach, similar to that of Kaiden Guhle and Jayden Struble, benefits the team. He’s shown the ability to defend teammates without overstepping, demonstrating an intelligent and mature approach that addresses the issues he faced earlier in the season.
His controlled aggression is evident, as he now better understands when to be assertive and when to play more conservatively. Instead of seeking a trade, Xhekaj has focused on improving his skills, with noticeable enhancements in his first pass and skating, a testament to his work with the skills coaches.
Xhekaj is now reading the game more effectively. Head coach Martin St. Louis noted that Xhekaj understands his role within the team. St. Louis explained that Xhekaj gained valuable experience early in his career due to the team’s lack of defensive depth. Now, with increased competition on the blue line, Xhekaj remains a competitor who desires more, but his realistic outlook and commitment to improvement are what allow him to contribute value.
The message is clear: players who want to be part of something special must evolve and improve. Those who don’t risk finding themselves elsewhere. The Montreal Canadiens have consistently resisted trade offers for Xhekaj, recognizing his potential.
If Arber Xhekaj continues to play his game with this newfound maturity and effectiveness, he will undoubtedly remain a crucial part of the Canadiens’ lineup.
