Major transaction involving Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj on the horizon, according to Georges Laraque

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David St-Jean
December 4, 2023 (3:28 PM)

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The big news of the day for the Canadiens is undoubtedly the demotion of Arber Xhekaj to the Laval Rocket.

The young defenseman was first removed from the injured reserve, and now he will have to join the American Hockey League to prove that he still deserves a place in the Montreal organization.

It's safe to say that Jayden Struble has truly won his bet. He needed a call-up to prove to the team that he belongs in the NHL, and unfortunately, it's Xhekaj who is paying the price.

Georges Laraque commented on the situation, and according to him, it wouldn't be surprising if the sheriff is no longer a member of the Canadiens at the end of this season.

"I'm telling you, we start with this (sending him to the AHL), and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't finish the year in Montreal. We are looking at what this team can do without him, and if this team continues to do well without him, they will say they don't need him (Xhekaj)." - Laraque

Certainly, Georges is advocating for his perspective, likely appreciating the fighting skills of number 72. Now it remains to be seen if he is right, but one thing is certain: Xhekaj has some value on the market, and the longer the Canadiens wait to trade him, the more his value may decrease.