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Arber Xhekaj, Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

Canadiens Need Arber Xhekaj’s Physicality for the Playoffs

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By William Bourget | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 9:45 AM ET

After dropping their last two games, the Montreal Canadiens are searching for a spark to get back on track, and one name that continues to surface is Arber Xhekaj. The 24-year-old defenceman has been a healthy scratch for eight straight games, left on the sidelines despite his reputation as one of the team’s most physical and intimidating presences. With the Habs still battling to clinch a playoff spot, Xhekaj’s return could bring the kind of toughness and edge this team may need heading into the postseason grind.

With a matchup against the struggling Chicago Blackhawks on deck, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Canadiens to shake things up and reintroduce Xhekaj into the lineup. Facing a weaker opponent gives head coach Martin St. Louis the chance to experiment without the same level of risk, and inserting Xhekaj could not only add grit to the blue line but also send a message to the rest of the team with the playoffs looming.

Why Should Xhekaj Play?

There’s a strong case to be made for bringing Xhekaj back into the Canadiens’ lineup, and it starts with the unique identity he brings to the ice. As one of the most physical and intimidating players in the organization, he has the rare ability to influence a game without ever touching the scoresheet. His heavy hits, willingness to drop the gloves, and fearless presence in front of the net give the Canadiens an edge they’ve sorely missed during his eight-game absence. Especially as the team inches closer to a potential playoff berth, having a player who can handle the grind, push back against opponents, and create emotional momentum shifts becomes not just valuable, but necessary.

His presence alone forces teams to keep their heads up, and in a league where space and time disappear in the postseason, that kind of presence can tilt the ice. He’s not just a bruiser, either; he’s shown flashes of offensive upside and has continued to work on his puck movement and decision-making, making him more than capable of handling third-pairing duties.

With top prospect Ivan Demidov expected to make his NHL debut, Michael Pezzetta, currently occupying the energy/enforcer-type role, may very well be on the outside looking in. Xhekaj offers a more versatile version of that identity: he brings the grit and willingness to stand up for teammates, but with the added value of size, defensive responsibility, and more upside in transition.

Everyone knows that once the playoffs begin, the game changes, it gets tighter, nastier, and far more physical. Space becomes limited, tempers flare quicker, and momentum can shift on a single big hit or post-whistle scrum. That’s exactly the kind of environment where a player like Xhekaj thrives. His physicality isn’t just for show; it wears opponents down, creates separation for teammates, and sets a tone that can carry through an entire series.

Who Would Sit Out?

As much as there’s a strong case for bringing Xhekaj back, the reality is that squeezing him into the current lineup is easier said than done. Jayden Struble has quietly solidified his spot on the left side, especially since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off. His steady defensive play, reliable puck movement, and strong skating have earned the trust of the coaching staff. Struble brings a calm, low-risk style that fits well with the Canadiens’ system, and it would be hard to justify pulling him out, especially with how consistently he’s been performing against tough competition.

On the right side, David Savard’s role is also firmly locked in. Not only does he provide veteran leadership, but he’s one of the Canadiens’ most trusted penalty killers, an area where Xhekaj has yet to truly carve out a role. Savard’s experience and defensive responsibility make him essential in high-pressure situations, particularly when protecting leads or killing late penalties. Unlike Xhekaj, who thrives on physicality and emotion, Savard brings a controlled, dependable presence that can’t easily be replaced. It’s this combination of established roles and chemistry on the blue line that makes finding a spot for Xhekaj a real challenge, even if the desire to see him back in the lineup is growing.

While getting Xhekaj back into the lineup isn’t a simple decision, it’s one of the Canadiens may have to consider sooner rather than later. As the playoff race heats up and the games become more physical, his unique skill set could be exactly what the team needs to tip the scales. Even if the current defensive group is holding steady, there’s no denying that Xhekaj brings something different, something built for playoff hockey. Whether it’s against a weaker opponent like Chicago or deeper into the stretch, his return feels less like a question of if, and more a matter of when.