Arber Xhekaj has become an intriguing player for the Montreal Canadiens, bringing an aggressive style of play to the team’s defensive corps. At 24, Xhekaj is proving to be a solid, physical presence on the blueline, and while he isn’t expected to contribute much offensively, his ability to disrupt opponents and make an impact physically has been a key asset for the Canadiens.
Increased Role and Expectations
With Brendan Guhle out, Xhekaj has seen his minutes increase, a situation he spoke about with confidence. “Everyone on the blueline has to step up,” he said, recognizing the need for increased responsibility with his teammate sidelined.
As a result, his minutes have jumped, but this also brings a challenge in terms of managing his turnovers. A significant part of his development will be learning to better control the puck as he takes on a bigger role. It’s important for Xhekaj to avoid any drop in his performance, especially in terms of mistakes that could come with more ice time.
While he’s not a player known for his offensive contributions, Xhekaj has a strong, consistent defensive game. His style is more about being tough, physical, and aggressive rather than scoring. This has made him a crucial part of the Canadiens’ defensive system.
Physical Play and Defensive Presence
One of Xhekaj’s biggest strengths is his physical play. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the crease and shut down opposing players. In his recent games, he recorded eight hits against Winnipeg and two against Minnesota, showing that he’s not afraid to bring the physicality when the situation calls for it. On average, Xhekaj registers 2.54 hits per game, a great number for a defenseman. His willingness to throw his weight around makes him an imposing figure on the ice.
According to Hockey Fights, Xhekaj has also dropped the gloves four times, and his penalty minutes (PIMs) are consistent with his role as a tough defender. While he may not be a frequent point-scorer, his ability to contribute physically is an essential part of his value to the team.
Developing Defensive Skills
At 6’4”, Xhekaj’s size is another advantage, helping him play a strong defensive game. His skating ability allows him to line up hits and effectively cover his defensive zone. While his defensive coverage has shown improvements, there’s still room for growth. Xhekaj has just turned 24, and with 143 career games played, he’s likely to continue refining his game in the coming seasons.
Considering his size, physicality, and the strides he’s made already, Xhekaj has the potential to become even more effective in the defensive zone. Given that he’s still relatively young and has already surpassed many expectations as an undrafted player, his future in the NHL looks promising.
Arber Xhekaj has quickly become a reliable and aggressive defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens. His physical play, commitment to defense, and ability to step up when needed have made him an important player on the team’s blueline.
While managing his turnovers will be a key focus as his minutes increase, Xhekaj’s potential is clear. He’s on track to continue developing into a key defensive asset for the Canadiens, and his future looks bright as he aims to reach the 200-game milestone in the near future.
