Is It Time For The Habs To Develop Xhekaj As A Forward?

The reality is that Xhekaj’s game is best when he can be physical in a way that won’t cost his team, which seems to allow him to play much better as a 4th line forward. As a winger, his best asset, being physical, can be used more regularly as the forecheck allows him to go into the corners with speed. Meanwhile, as a defenseman, his game has fallen behind the others, and if he wants to have a future with the Habs, he may be best suited as a forward.

Of course, before the Habs can trust him more as a 4th line forward who can play about 10 minutes a game on the regular, they will need to give him more reps in practice on how to position himself better in his own zone. Although he played just over 5 minutes, he had a shift that lasted over 2 minutes partly due to his struggles positioning in the defensive zone as a winger, which significantly clouded the rest of his game. This is why the Habs will need to work with him on improving that aspect of his game to make him a much more effective player at forward in the future.

What needs to be done is to make sure he knows where he should position himself on the ice when in his own end so that his line doesn’t get hemmed in their defensive zone for long periods of time with him on the ice. This should also allow him to get more shifts, as head coach Martin St. Louis can start trusting him to be an energy forward similar to how former Hab Nicolas Deslauriers plays. As a result, Xhekaj would likely continue to just be a 12th or 13th forward on the Habs going forward, but most importantly, he can bring a physical identity to a 4th line more so than being used as a defenseman.

He’ll never be required to produce a ton of offence, but when he does play, he could, on the other hand, be an intimidation factor that can help his linemates have more room on the ice to create chances. He can also be a good presence in front of the net to screen the goalie, which could help him produce some offence. Unfortunately, it can’t be done overnight, and the Habs will need to start working with Xhekaj closely in practice to get him up to par with the likes of guys similar to him, such as Deslauriers and Matt Rempe, who are forwards that are there to serve as physical forces while being able to also fight if it is required.

Everyone knows that the Habs lack a physical presence in their lineup; unfortunately Xhekaj on defence doesn’t allow for him to be as physical, whereas as a winger he can be that presence that the Canadiens will otherwise be missing come playoff time. With that being said, the Canadiens should help Xhekaj on how to be a better forward so he can be ready to potentially play that role in the playoffs.

What are your thoughts on Arber Xhekaj as a forward in the future?