Martin St-Louis will make a decision today and the future of Arber Xhekaj with the Canadiens is in play

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Will Austin
October 5, 2024 (7:47 PM)

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The Montreal Canadiens' training camp always brings surprises, and this year, it's Arber Xhekaj who's making headlines.

Known for his physical and robust style of play, Xhekaj once again made his presence felt during preseason games. However, despite his impact and reputation, it seems that his spot in Martin St-Louis' regular lineup could be in jeopardy, with a young prospect potentially taking his place.

If the starting defensive lineup includes Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson, David Savard, Jayden Struble, and Justin Barron, this could mean Xhekaj might be left out. Jayden Struble, who also brings a physical element to his game, seems to be in a good position to secure the third-pairing role, which raises questions about Xhekaj's future with the team.

The idea that Xhekaj could be left out for a high-stakes, physical game against the Toronto Maple Leafs-a team known for its tough play-is concerning. Analysts like Charles-Alexis Brisebois fear that this decision might hurt Xhekaj's confidence, especially if the team could use his physicality in such a match. If Martin St-Louis decides not to dress him for this game, it could signal that Xhekaj's role with the Canadiens is diminishing.

The situation is particularly delicate, as Xhekaj, often referred to as the "Sheriff," is typically seen as a player capable of bringing significant physical presence to the Canadiens' defense. Benching him for a game where his skills might be needed could send a confusing message about his standing with the team.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Arber Xhekaj still has a role in the Canadiens' lineup or if his position is at risk, especially with the emergence of promising young talents like Struble.

Source: Arber Xhekaj viendrait de perdre sa place dans l'alignement du Canadien selon Arpon Basu.