Montreal Canadiens Sign Arber Xhekaj To a New Deal

Last season with the Montreal Canadiens, Arber Xhekaj recorded 10 points (three goals and seven assists). He was second on the team with a plus/minus of +6. In addition, he had 81 penalty minutes and led all defensemen on the Canadiens with 125 hits.

He has played in 95 games and recorded 23 points (eight goals and 15 assists). The undrafted free agent originally signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens on October 4, 2021.

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The Canadiens view Arber Xhekaj as essential to their future, especially in terms of defense. There were many rumors floating around that teams were interested in Xhekaj; however, the Canadiens were unwilling to part with one of their core defensive pieces. President Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes were asking a high price for Xhekaj.

Montreal has a young staple of defenseman not only at the NHL level but within their system. Along with Xhekaj, the Canadiens have Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson. In addition, the Canadiens Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher are in the system.

There is not a lot of room on the Canadiens backend. Arber Xhekaj will have to earn his playing time this season with Montreal. But he is the physical presence this team had been missing for years.

Again, the Canadiens are still in a rebuild as they continue to add young pieces. Arber Xhekaj is now signed along with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky. However, Xhekaj signed a bridge deal while the others signed long-term contracts.

However, the Canadiens have one of their young defensemen signed for a couple of more seasons.