Arber Xhekaj has a serious problem: his own brother

His advantage over Jayden Struble (a defenseman who's more reliable defensively than Xhekaj) is his physicality. The American isn't exactly frail, but he doesn't have the Sheriff's build either—let's be honest.

Except that now, with Florian Xhekaj pushing for a spot, the trait that defined Arber might be less important.

I think Mario Langlois is right when he says that Florian is going to take his brother's spot. Why? Because I've actually been saying the same thing for almost a year and a half now.

It just makes sense: people are saying that Arber would be better as a forward. And the Habs have exactly that in their ranks: an Xhekaj who can play on offense.

Florian is younger, can play center, and has a better offensive touch.

Arber, who isn't making much of an impact at camp (probably because he's as confused as a deck of cards), could very well end up on the bench long-term and have to leave Montreal. It feels like this has been inevitable for years.

Think about it: the guy ends up in the stands (like Struble) more often than not.

If everyone stays healthy, Mike Matheson and Noah Dobson will surely play together. And there's clearly a lot of faith in the potential of a pairing between Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher.

If Alexandre Carrier is healthy, he'll play. Otherwise, Adam Engstrom will make the roster, and I expect to see him play.

In any case, Xhekaj and Struble will continue to battle for the sixth defenseman spot—though they don't make for a very reassuring pairing when they play together. And Struble often has the edge in that battle.

Add to that the potential return of Kaiden Guhle, and the picture is clear: Florian's presence and the depth on the blue line mean that Arber's spot remains in jeopardy.

Jayden Struble (who is more reliable defensively and further from full autonomy) is also in danger, but… Xhekaj has always been more disruptive. His outsized popularity for a depth player doesn't sit well with everyone.

Of course, things can change very quickly in the NHL. Maybe by December, circumstances will make Arber indispensable again.

But don't be surprised if that's not the case. And if his future in town is (once again) called into question, perhaps this time it will be one too many—much to the dismay of his family and his many fans.

In a Nutshell

– Good question.

– Habs practice: Group B will skate before Group A this morning. [Canadiens]

– They won't recover from this.