Arber Xhekaj won't face Matt Rempe tonight and he's angry

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Greg Wilson
October 22, 2024 (2:21 PM)

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Let's face it, Arber Xhekaj, the young Montreal Canadiens defenseman, is not having a very good start to the season.

Used to being a pillar of the regular lineup, he now finds himself as the team's seventh defenseman.

After playing in every game at the start of the season, due to the absence of Jayden Struble, Xhekaj will have to eat popcorn again, in the press box, against the New York Rangers, tonight. A second game in a row, for him.

Many were waiting for the famous duel between Xhekaj and Matt Rempe, but that will have to wait, once again.

"No changes to the Habs blue line compared to Saturday's game - Arber Xhekaj will be left out again", via the excellent Priyanta Emrith.

Everything indicates that Michael Pezzetta could be the one to light up the team tonight. Quite a challenge!

This decision has raised questions about his place within the team and his future. Comments from analysts, such as Éric Bélanger, highlight his visible discontent during practice, which shows his desire to contribute more to the team.

"Today (Monday), at practice, we saw him, he was ''REALLY pissed off''. But why do you have to be in the stands to have that attitude? It was like: ''Ah, I have my place in the lineup.''" - Éric Bélanger

His attitude suggests a promising future for him and seriously, it doesn't worry me, even if this difficult period remains a test for him.

He is still young, let's not forget that!