Arber Xhekaj: The Lack of Respect Costs $1.5 Million

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Arber Xhekaj: The Lack of Respect Costs $1.5 Million

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 3:12 PM ET

It's as if they're two people who refuse to break up, even though the love is gone. They take breaks, they threaten to break up, they break up, they get back together, they bicker…

But they're always still together.

Who am I talking about? You've probably guessed it: Arber Xhekaj and the Canadiens.

The Sheriff has signed a new one-year deal with the Canadiens in the last few hours, a deal that will pay him $1.5 million in 2026–27. He'll once again be eligible for restricted free agency and arbitration next summer.

When a player signs a contract like this just a few hours before training camp begins, it makes you wonder if he's no longer all that highly regarded by the organization's management—or by the coach.

Aside from the players still on their entry-level contracts (Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, Jakub Dobes, and Jacob Fowler), Arber Xhekaj will be the second-lowest-paid player on the team, behind Jayden Struble.

Xhekaj's cap hit will be $1.5 million, and Struble's will be $1.4125 million.

A player like Alexandre Texier will earn $2.5 million.

Kirby Dach? $3.6 million.

Meanwhile, “The Sheriff” will only make 1.5 million.

Arber Xhekaj will be paid like someone who isn't important to the team. And yet… (Credit: Getty Images)

Xhekaj has, after all, 230 regular-season games under his belt in the NHL. And 16 more in the playoffs!

He's well-liked by his teammates, delivers hard hits, drops the gloves on occasion, and acts like a true leader in the locker room.

Still, there will be 165 defensemen earning more than Xhekaj this season in the NHL. That works out to five or six defensemen per team. Considering that Xhekaj signed his new contract after the NHL's new financial reality had already taken effect, it's almost scandalous.

There will also be 534 players earning more than Xhekaj, if we include forwards and goaltenders. On average, each team will have 17 players earning more than Arber Xhekaj. Remember that a team suits up 18 skaters and two goaltenders every night…

It seems obvious to me that Xhekaj would have gotten more money than that ($1.5 million) if he had gone to arbitration. Does he regret not doing so?

Does he really feel fully appreciated in Montreal?

With Guhle's injury, Xhekaj will have the chance to prove that he's better than what the front office and the coach think. Martin St-Louis doesn't seem to be a big fan of what Xhekaj brings to the ice; it's up to Xhekaj himself to show that the Canadiens are much better with him on the ice.

Extension

I know, some will say that Xhekaj is making $650,000 more than the NHL minimum salary this season ($850,000), but it's important to understand that players who spend the year in the league rarely earn just the minimum salary.

Furthermore, Xhekaj signed his contract after the hostile offer made to Leo Carlsson and the massive increase in the salary cap.

Xhekaj should have made at least $2 million, in my opinion. Leaving money on the table shouldn't apply to a guy who's still trying to prove his worth…

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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