Georges Laraque: 'Xhekaj, it’s over in Montreal'

Georges Laraque, who has played the game, comes to a conclusion when he sees the treatment being offered to Arber Xhekaj right now.

And it’s not complicated:

Just the fact that we didn’t decide to put him in for game #1… Xhekaj, it’s over in Montreal! – Georges Laraque

Last season, we heard a thousand and one rumours about Arber Xhekaj.

We saw his name included in some trade rumors… and every time it happened, the same comment kept coming up.

“Kent Hughes won’t trade Arber Xhekaj because the Habs really believe in his potential”.

But even if the Habs believe in him, there’s no point in leaving him out when he could help the team on the ice.

At 24, Xhekaj needs to play to progress and reach his potential. He’s not going to become a regular defenseman in the National League by watching games from the catwalk, and it’s clear that right now, the main man involved must not be happy with the way he’s being used.

Because if you’re going to have him in the organization and not play him, you might as well trade him to take advantage of his value and give him an opportunity to make his mark elsewhere.

And I agree with Georges Laraque when he says that it feels like the end for the Sheriff in Montreal. If the CH doesn’t want to take advantage of his qualities – especially at a time of the season like this – it’s not for nothing.

Especially since Jayden Struble is far from perfect…

In gossip

– Yikes. But if Xhekaj doesn’t play tomorrow either…

– Wow!

– Of note: