Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
Arber Xhekaj picked his moment, and that choice has all of Montreal talking.
On Wednesday night against the Winnipeg Jets, the scenario was entirely different. Late in the first period, Alexandre Carrier got roughed up in a scrum in front of the net, and this time, Adam Lowry found himself tied up with Xhekaj.
In an already tight game, Xhekaj logged 13:41 of ice time, registered a shot on goal, and took 5 minutes for his fight with Lowry. Carrier, for his part, played 18:18, once again used as an important top-four defenseman for Montreal.
Arber Xhekaj chooses his battles
This is where Martin Lemay’s comment makes perfect sense. Fighting MacDermid – a tough guy who plays barely 4:25 per game this season in Ottawa – removes a Canadiens defenseman in exchange for a depth player with no points on the board.
“Arber Xhekaj fighting MacDermid accomplishes nothing. We lose a defenseman against a guy who plays 5 minutes.
Arber Xhekaj fighting Lowry the captain, an important player, to defend Carrier. THAT!! That is smart!!
Hats off, Arber!! – Martin Lemay
Fighting Lowry is a completely different story. The 32-year-old Jets captain just signed a $25 million extension over five years, plays around 14 minutes per night, and already has three points in thirteen games this season. When he’s in the penalty box, Winnipeg loses far more than a few punches.
At 24 years old, Xhekaj earns $1.3 million per season through 2025-2026 thanks to a two-year, $2.6 million contract.
For a rugged defenseman still under his coach’s microscope, every decision matters, and a well-calculated move like this one can carry serious weight when the time comes to talk about his future in Montreal.
On Wednesday, he didn’t just stand up for a well-liked teammate like Carrier. He also reminded the entire league that he can channel his sheriff role strategically.
No surprise that an analyst like Lemay tipped his hat. And judging by the fans’ reaction, this time, everyone seems to agree with him.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey