Arber Xhekaj Signs Two-Year Extension With Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj re-upped with the team for two years on Tuesday. The two sides inked a $2.6 million deal. Xhekaj was a restricted free agent after completing a three-year entry-level contract. The 23-year-old has skated in 95 games through his first few NHL seasons, registering 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) with 136 shots on goal, 95 blocks, 284 hits, and 182 penalty minutes. He was limited to 44 appearances last season due to a shoulder issue. Xhekaj will be battling for third-pairing minutes on the Canadiens blue line in 2024-25, which limits his fantasy appeal.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj will undergo surgery to repair his left shoulder and will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season. It's a similar circumstance for the rugged blueliner who underwent surgery on his right shoulder late last season that limited him to 51 games as a rookie. The 23-year-old recorded three goals and 10 points across 44 games but also recorded a hefty 125 hits and 81 penalty minutes in that limited time. Interestingly, he was also a plus-six on a Canadiens team sporting a minus-55 overall goal differential. The Canadiens will miss the postseason for the third straight season in 2023-24.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (upper body) has been ruled out indefinitely. He was hurt in a fight during Sunday's 6-2 victory over Edmonton. Chris Wideman is taking Xhekaj's place in the lineup for Tuesday's matchup against Chicago. Xhekaj has totaled 13 points, 75 shots, 159 hits and 46 blocks with 101 penalty minutes during his rookie campaign. His physicality will definitely be missed, although Wideman is a more talented player offensively and should improve the team in that area.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj couldn't complete Sunday's battle with the Oilers, leaving the game with an undisclosed injury. He got injured in a fight with Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais in the middle of the second frame. Xhekaj finished with 10:16 of ice time and had nine penalty minutes in total with two hits. The 22-year-old rookie has been a great source for hits throughout the campaign, recording 159 of them across 51 appearances. He is also closing in on 100 penalty minutes. Offensively, Xhekaj does very little for the team and has contributed only one assist in his past 17 games.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj will sit out his first game of the season Tuesday versus Buffalo, with the team deciding to scratch him for the contest. The 21-year-old has developed really nicely for Montreal this season, but it looks like the team is trying to give him a little breather. Xhekaj has tallied five points in his first 18 career appearances with 33 shots, 62 hits, 20 blocks and 45 penalty minutes. Johnathan Kovacevic also comes out of the lineup Tuesday and Chris Wideman rejoins the action along with Jordan Harris. Xhekaj's absence should be temporary and he should get a chance to return Wednesday versus Columbus.
Arber Xhekaj
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