Canadiens sign D Arber Xhekaj to two-year deal

Restricted free agent defenseman Arber Xhekaj signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.

Xhekaj, 23, recorded 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and a team-high 81 penalty minutes in 44 games last season. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Xhekaj ranked second on the club in rating (plus-6) and fourth in hits (125).

Xhekaj has totaled 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) and 182 penalty minutes in 95 career games since signing with Montreal as an undrafted free agent.