Xhekaj contract is a bet on himself, but longer term would have been preferred

For the Montreal Canadiens, Arber Xhekaj’s contract is one where he bet on himself.

All in all it’s a good contract, but in two years when it’s up, it could be an expensive decision. While it’s unlikely, should Xhekaj disappoint and not live up to his deal, then two years isn’t so bad, but if he performs then when it expires things could become costly. He has only gotten better over the past two seasons and matured tenfold. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it’s a part of the business side of hockey. Furthermore, if a player is performing well and warrants a pay increase, that is sort of what all parties want. What sways in the Habs' favour in the future is that the team will hopefully be competitive.

There is also the fact that the core of the team are all around the same age, and have built a strong bond already. If Montreal was a market in the past where players avoided joining, that appears to be changing. General manager Kent Hughes has treated each player with the utmost respect and given fair value with each contract offered. 

For Xhekaj, who has bet on himself since junior, doing the same thing again is a common practice. Certainly, the money means something, but he has worked his tail off for every minute he’s played. I think the fact he settled for a two-year deal, instead of six like Kaiden Guhle, proves that he believes he will be worth more at the end of his deal.

What’s his ceiling? 

At this juncture, it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t belong as part of a top-six NHL defensive brigade. You could argue that he doesn’t, not sure why you would, but to each their own. The issue that arises in Montreal though is too many quality defenders, with only six spots. 

It doesn’t make sense for Xhekaj to sit in the press box and I’m not convinced he has anything to prove in the American Hockey League. I wrote recently about Eric Engels seeing top-four potential in Xhekaj. I, too, wouldn’t be surprised if, by the end of the 2024-25 season, he grows his game in such a fashion that he gives the Habs some wiggle room to move a Mike Matheson if the deal is right. 

With Xhekaj, the physicality is something that stands out brightly. But the mobility and poise along the blueline resemble that of a smaller, more nimble player. Then you add in the offensive instincts that are still being fine-tuned, with his huge slapshot and that is a desirable defenseman. 

One thing that can’t be argued is that the Canadiens have an impressive young group of defensemen. To take it a step further, they have a player in Xhekaj, who many teams have to be kicking themselves for not noticing. Even if he tops out as a good fifth or sixth defenseman, he is a valuable piece for the Habs budding blueline.