Don't panic if Arber Xhekaj is sent down before the regular season

Montreal Canadiens fans had plenty of optimism entering the season after some of their offseason moves. The Canadiens front office had upgraded their forward depth, and players like Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux were ready to impact the NHL. One reason for optimism evaporated in the preseason when a Toronto Maple Leafs player injured Patrik Laine and sent him to the injured list for the next 2-3 months. The fans hoped that players like Arber Xhekaj would do some policing in the season opener against the Maple Leafs to show they wouldn't be pushed around. However, according to Marco D'Amico and RG.org, there could be a move coming that will frustrate those people.

The Canadiens to get cap compliant before the roster deadline. The team is $2 million over the salary cap after acquiring Patrik Laine's $8.7 million contract, but will go under once they put Carey Price's deal on LTIR. There are benefits to the Canadiens waiting until after the roster deadline to put those contracts on LTIR, which is why they'll need to clear over $950,000 by sending a player to Laval.

Xhekaj, Lane Hutston, and Juraj Slafkovsky are the options to send down who are waiver exempt. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Xhekaj will be the player they send to Laval, but that doesn't mean he won't be on the opening night roster against the Maple Leafs. The Canadiens will likely send him down before the deadline, and then bring him up on the day of the game once Price's contract goes to LTIR.

I've recently speculated that Xhekaj's questionable plays in the preseason could force him out of the lineup. The Canadiens have a broad depth of blueliners, and they won't have much use for a player who gets kicked out in consecutive games and puts his team at a disadvantage. I believe that move could eventually come, but Montreal values his toughness and intimidation factor.

Don't panic if Xhekaj is a Laval Rocket on October 7th, as he will likely be a Canadien again by opening night.