Montreal Canadiens: Three Players Who Are Far Better Than We All Thought

Arber Xhekaj

Arber Xhekaj was a complete unknown just over a year ago when he was invited to the Canadiens rookie camp. He left there with an invite to the team’s main training camp and he left that camp with an entry-level contract in his pocket.

Xhekaj had a great season with the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL last season, but was an overager in that league so it was expected he would be good. Of course, he was much better than good and was terrific at both ends of the ice, playing a top pairing role on the OHL Championship winning Bulldogs.

Still, it was not expected that he would be ready for the NHL yet. At 21 years of age, and not having played a pro game in his life, it seemed like he would need a little time to grow his game at the AHL level.

However, after his first six NHL games, Xhekaj has one goal, two assists, he demolished Zack Kassian in a fight, beat up just about every tough guy in the Senators organization during the preseason, and looks like a ten year veteran as he patrols the blue line.

Xhekaj has proven in little time that he is a much better player than anyone thought, and he could be in the NHL to stay for a long time.