Montreal Canadiens: Why Arber Xhekaj Will Evade Sophomore Slump

The Montreal Canadiens struck gold when former general manager Marc Bergevin invited Arber Xhekaj to the team’s training camp. He played a man’s game in the OHL and his strong skating and long reach were strengths of his game, and the reason why he was bet on. Obviously, he showed up and proved that he was more than just an enforcer and heavy hitter, earning a three-year two-way contract.

His hard-nosed style and hardworking mentality endeared him to the new management, and he cracked the opening night roster. He wasted little time showing what he was capable of, dropping the mitts and discouraging the opposition from crossing his side of the ice during offensive rushes from the preseason and on. He also showed shades of offence, which were a welcomed surprise, because of the bruising game he played in the Ontario League.

So what qualities does Xhekaj possess that will allow him to thrive?

Well, first off, he was overlooked heading into the OHL, and the same can be said about his chances in the NHL. He doesn’t quit, and he is aware of the importance of hard work, which was instilled in both him and his brother, from their parents at an early age. During his junior career, he maintained a work schedule at Cosco, his hockey priorities and his education.

Another important factor to consider is that he has a season of NHL play under his belt, and one that he should be proud of, at that. Physically and mentally, he exhibits a toughness that is unmatched, and a resiliency to just keep pushing, no matter the scenario. His restraint will no doubt be tested, but if he can be coached to pick his battles better, then he should be able to play a full season and see an upward tick in his development.

So, while he will be targeted in the much tougher Atlantic Division, he is well-prepared. If he can pick his battles a little better, he could be a positive factor in all three zones. And with an offseason of growth and hard work, he may just produce a little more offence, and cement himself as one of the Canadiens top six defensemen coming opening night, and beyond that.

He has strong mobility at the blue line, going forward and backwards, as well as side-to-side, and he has a sneaky release on his snapshot, which is very tippable. Xhekaj also has a heavy slapshot, and with added confidence, his offensive game will only benefit if he decides to use it more. His strong skating allows him to play a poised game from the attacking blue line and in, and his size allows him to stop the opposition from exiting their zone.

The physicality is expected, and so too is the team-first mentality, but the poise and increased production on offence are something that will be watched closely. If he can put it all together and take his game to another level, which he has done year in and year out since beginning his junior career, he should avoid any slump. Healthy and prepared for a big year, the Canadiens know what they have in Xhekaj, and he has their confidence, which will serve him great in his pursuit of growing into a much more multi-faceted defenseman.

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