Should the Habs Use Arber Xhekaj as a Winger?

Xhekaj is a modern-day NHL enforcer, which means he can still play a solid game while being out there to protect his teammates. With the way the Canadiens’ blueline is shaping up, it looks like Xhekaj will be the 7th defenseman with Struble having improved a lot as the season went on last season.   

Therefore, it may be a good idea to start trying Xhekaj as a winger. He has a good skating stride and has the potential to be a strong presence on the forecheck, which could lead to opposing defenders turning over the puck. Let’s not forget that his booming shot could get closer to the net, like Brian said. As a result, Xhekaj could bring some more offence to the team as a whole.   

Becoming a forward would also allow Xhekaj to become a more versatile player, and he can step in as a forward or defenseman as he’s needed throughout a long, gruelling 82-game season.   

It may not end up working well, but it wouldn’t hurt to try it out. The worst that can happen is that Xhekaj just isn’t able to cut it at the position, and he goes back to being a permanent defenseman. However, the defensive side of the game should be the easiest part for Xhekaj to transition to the wing. Wingers have the easiest jobs when it comes to the defensive side of the game; they are responsible for covering the point and along the boards, which is something I think Xhekaj should be able to adjust to easily.    

There is a reason why we’ve seen so many fringe or big body defensemen like Dustin Byfuglien transition so easily to the wing position. Coaches like it when a player can be defensive first, and the offensive mindset comes after. Xhekaj already has the defensive part figured out, so it will start there, and then he can use his shot and size to his advantage in the offensive zone. 

  I think truly the best version of Xhekaj as a forward would be him standing in front of the net like Byfuglien used to do for the Blackhawks, and just creating havoc. Now, he won’t play as high up in the lineup as Byfuglien, but the thought of the Xhekaj screening a goalie and causing trouble is fun to think about. Like Wilde says, Xhekaj as F1 getting in front of the net doesn’t hurt.   

Another awesome thought is seeing the Xhekaj brothers possibly being linemates on a 4th line that would cause absolute havoc for their opponents, especially come playoff time, as the forechecking would seem relentless from the brothers.   

The thought of Xhekaj as a forward is just so incredible to think of, and I wonder if the Canadiens’ management has ever thought about this for Xhekaj. If it works out well, it can help create such an exciting identity for the Habs’ 4th line.   Do you agree with Brian Wilde that the Habs should look at converting Xhekaj to a winger?