Completely controversial statement about Arber Xhekaj and the Montreal Canadiens

PUBLICATION

David St-Jean
November 3, 2023 (12:08)

SHARE THIS STORY

Arber Xhekaj has quickly become an important player for the Canadiens. However, in terms of his ceiling as a hockey player, his role will likely be limited to a third defensive pair, even though he has some interesting attributes.

He could certainly play in a top 4 on a team with less defensive depth, but given the quality of the Canadiens' prospect pool at that position, it's unlikely he will rise to that level in Montreal. When Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, and several others are ready, it's hard to see how Xhekaj could move up, and he might even be pushed out of the top 6.

That's where Mathias Brunet came up with a suggestion that is far from unanimous. According to him, in a few years, they should try the defenseman at forward. The goal is to keep Xhekaj with the Canadiens. His value is very high on the trade market, but the Canadiens need him.

"You would be surprised by Xhekaj's phenomenal value on the trade market. I think we need to keep Xhekaj in Montreal eventually at all costs. Is it on defense, or maybe on the wing? I would like to see us try him at forward eventually, maybe not this year or next year, but eventually."

- Mathias Brunet

According to Martin Lemay, the Canadiens finally have a defenseman who is strong and robust. They should give him a spot on defense.

"Did you just say Xhekaj at forward? Well no, we finally have a defenseman who is as strong as a train, can't you..."

- Martin Lemay

Opinions are very divided on social media. However, remember a certain Andrei Markov, who was drafted as a forward but eventually had a great career as a defenseman. It is possible to change a player's position, but it is still our opinion that Xhekaj should remain a defenseman and continue to disrupt opposing forwards as he currently does.