Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
Martin St-Louis is finally starting to say it publicly: Arber Xhekaj is giving him his money’s worth right now.
His comment on L’Antichambre comes after a pretty wild few weeks for the Sheriff. Between being scratched from the lineup, spending time in the press box, and making a noticeable return, the left-handed defenseman is experiencing exactly the roller coaster many predicted in Montreal.
On paper, Xhekaj, 24, shows 0 goals and 1 assist in 24 games this season, with a -6 differential and 42 penalty minutes. For a defenseman used an average of 11 minutes and 44 seconds per game, that’s a lot of time spent in the penalty box and little offensive production so far.
In his five most recent games, however, he has turned things around. He has played between 9 and 15 minutes, recorded four shots on goal, and taken only 12 penalty minutes – including a big ten-minute misconduct against the Toronto Maple Leafs that got everyone talking.
It’s the kind of stretch his coach wanted to see before opening the door a little wider for him.
Martin St-Louis sends a clear message
Let’s recall that just a few days ago, St-Louis said at a press conference that he wanted to increase Xhekaj’s ice time and stated plainly that he deserved more. Against the Kraken, he literally gave him about double his usual minutes – backing up his words with action.
All of this comes as the Montreal Canadiens’ defensive group is one of the deepest in the league, with Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Alexandre Carrier, and Kaiden Guhle who is currently injured, already logging many important minutes.
The number 72’s contract also adds pressure. His two-year deal, worth a total of 2.6 million dollars, gives him an average annual salary of 1.3 million through 2026. At that price, the Canadiens clearly want a regular defenseman, not a press-box specialist.
“I would say even in the last game, I think Arber played a good game. That’s what we want – he gives us quality. That’s what it takes. And when he gives that kind of quality, it forces us to give him more time. So I’m happy with his game. And of course, his fights, the things that come with his role, it’s not an easy job. But he did a very good job.”
– Martin St-Louis on Xhekaj following game vs Jets
When Xhekaj is taken out of the lineup in favor of Adam Engstrom, it becomes clear that the smallest misstep can cost him his spot.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
POLL
5 HOURS AGOÂ Â Â |Â Â Â 158 ANSWERS
Martin St-Louis’ message about Arber Xhekaj after the Jets game turns heads
Should Martin St-Louis give more minutes to Arber Xhekaj?