Arber Xhekaj on the Trade Block? NHL Analyst Is Certain His Canadiens Days Are Numbered
Former NHL enforcer turned analyst Georges Laraques believes that Arber Xhekaj's days with the Canadiens are numbered and he expects him to be traded very soon.
On BPM Sports a short while ago, Georges Laraque went on the record to suggest that Arber Xhekaj's time with the Montreal Canadiens may be coming to an end. Laraque didn't mince words and suggested boldly that General Manager Kent Hughes would ultimately trade the defenseman.
Standing 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, the 23-year-old Xhekaj hasn't had the best start this season, recording no points in five games, a -4 plus/minus rating, and two penalty minutes. It appears Laraque is fairly convinced that a move is inevitable, and this wouldn't be the first time that Xhekaj's name comes up in trade talks, as the Habs nearly pulled off a massive blockbuster deal at the end of last season with the Calgary Flames, but those talks ultimately fell through.
Arber Xhekaj was once a surefire fixture in the Montreal Canadiens lineup, but these days he's on the periphery of this team's plans. His spot in the lineup has gone from a day-to-day player to a healthy scratch, and the writing was on the wall. Early in the year, when fellow defenseman Jayden Struble was injured, Xhekaj played in every game, but with a completely healthy Canadiens defense, it seems like Xhekaj is the odd man out right now as the 7th defenseman. This is quite a surprise for this young defenseman who actually was supposed to play quite a big role this year and not just as an enforcer.
The Canadiens' decision to sit him out in favor of other defensive options is a tough blow, especially with his physical style and reputation as a player who brings sandpaper to the ice. Today, he was sent to the stands again rather than being included in the lineup, and it's not just the benching that stings, it's also the fact that Arber Xhekaj will miss out on a matchup against the New York Rangers and their own enforcer Matt Rempe. Being held out of a game against a team that features a player like Rempe adds to the questions about what the future might hold for Xhekaj with the Canadiens.
If he isn't going to suit up in a game seemingly hand-tailored for his type of skillset, the question must be asked as to when or if he gets another opportunity. Given Arber Xhekaj's size and hard-nosed style of play, it would seem that games such as tonight's should be his bread and butter.
Still, he's on the outside looking in and the call says a lot about how management views his spot on the roster at this juncture. One can almost feel the frustration in Xhekaj, and there was no disguising his discontent following practice Monday morning.
Arber Xhekaj got scratched back-to-back games
What makes matters worse for Arber Xhekaj is that he has been a healthy scratch for two games in a row now, and he showed his frustration during team practice recently. According to Eric Belanger, on "La Poche Bleue," Arber Xhekaj didn't mask his discontentment with the circumstance. For some, the trend might be viewed as unfavorable; however, for a number of people, including Belanger, the fact he's angry is a good sign.
That frustration signals how much he wants to contribute and be an integral part of the team; it also reflects his strength of character. He has been through adversity before, such as his demotion to the Laval Rocket last season to which he responded by elevating his game.
There's every reason to believe that he will approach this current setback in much the same fashion. While this is no doubt a disappointing turn for Xhekaj, particularly with missing a game he really could have been needed in, it's nowhere near the end of the world for the young defenseman.
The competitive drive and background with overcoming adversity would suggest that he will take this as fuel to work himself back into the lineup. It's tough times ahead, but for a player like Arber Xhekaj, who thrives on adversity, it might just be what he needs to get back into his place. If things don't work out for him in Montreal, perhaps a change of scenery with a new team would help kickstart his career once more. Georges Laraque sure thinks so.
