PUBLICATION
Leo Honein
March 28, 2026Â Â (1:53 PM)
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Arber Xhekaj will have to be patient before regaining his regular spot with the Montreal Canadiens.
At the moment, Martin St-Louis is very pleased with the execution level of his group on the ice, and especially with Jayden Struble’s play.
During his most recent press conference, the coach was particularly complimentary of the young Struble.
Journalist Nicolas Cloutier points out that the American defenseman has firmly seized the last available chair in the lineup, which makes Arber Xhekaj the true “extra” defenseman.
Struble is showing that he has absolutely no intention of giving up his place in the starting lineup.
Speaking to the media, Martin St-Louis also said that Jayden Struble is playing perfectly according to his identity.
“I find they are playing according to their identity. Jayden is playing to his identity, and Lane is capable of doing his thing.
We occasionally rotate Lane onto other pairings, but I find they are providing us with a lot of stability and consistency right now.”
– Martin St. Louis on Jayden Struble and Lane Hutson
His growing chemistry with partner Lane Hutson is bringing a very reassuring level of consistency.
Arber Xhekaj has officially lost his job
For Xhekaj, those comments do indeed mean a prolonged stay in the press box.
The defenseman will have to watch the action from afar while his teammates battle on the ice. That must be difficult to deal with.
In the National Hockey League, changing a formula that is working is always a major risk, and Martin St-Louis knows that very well.
While waiting for his turn, Arber Xhekaj will have to maintain an excellent work ethic during practices, just as he has been doing so well for quite some time now.
The time will inevitably come when the group needs his physical presence again. At least, we hope so!
That said, barring an injury, unfortunately we should not expect to see him play in the playoffs this year.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Jayden Struble is making it very hard for the Canadiens to bring back Arber Xhekaj
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