Canadiens reportedly want Arber Xhekaj to make a surprising position change
Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A new possibility may explain the delay in Arber Xhekaj‘s contract negotiations.
The Montreal Canadiens reportedly want to see him play on the wing this season.
According to Grant McCagg, speaking on the “HabsCast” podcast with Liam Maguire, the team has asked the rugged defenseman to consider changing positions.That scenario would make plenty of sense if David Reinbacher earns a regular spot this season, creating a surplus of defensemen.
Moving Xhekaj to forward would allow the Canadiens to keep him in the lineup while preserving his role as a physical presence, while also giving Reinbacher meaningful minutes on defense.
The club had already tried the experiment on March 29 against the Carolina Hurricanes, when Xhekaj played 5 minutes and 11 seconds on the wing.
Arber Xhekaj’s possible move to winger adds a new wrinkle to Canadiens contract talks
The real question is whether Xhekaj wants to play that position full-time, which could help explain the delay in his contract negotiations.
According to Gilbert Delorme, the Canadiens need Xhekaj’s physical presence and have to find a place for him, ideally with significant playing time.
Some are wondering, though, why that role wouldn’t instead go to his brother Florian, whose natural profile as a winger appears better suited for it.
It’s a situation that appears to be getting more delicate by the day.
Would Xhekaj rather play as a winger with the Montreal Canadiens?
Or would he prefer to remain a regular defenseman with another team, such as the Calgary Flames or Philadelphia Flyers? Those are two clubs that appear ready to give him heavy minutes on defense.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|79 ANSWERS
Canadiens reportedly want Arber Xhekaj to make a surprising position change
Should Arber Xhekaj agree to play on the wing to stay with the Canadiens?