{"id":540976,"date":"2026-04-04T21:47:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/540976\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T21:47:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:47:15","slug":"martin-st-louis-explains-exactly-what-arber-xhekaj-must-do-to-stay-in-the-canadiens-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/540976\/","title":{"rendered":"Martin St-Louis explains exactly what Arber Xhekaj must do to stay in the Canadiens lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nMartin St-Louis explains exactly what Arber Xhekaj must do to stay in the Canadiens lineup
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Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA<\/p>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t \"Montreal <\/p>\n

Photo credit: Screenshot (left) | David Kirouac-Imagn Images (right)<\/p>\n

Over the past few games, rugged defenseman Arber Xhekaj has reclaimed his spot in the Montreal Canadiens\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\n

According to St-Louis, the key to success for Xhekaj lies in the consistency of his actions, shift after shift on the ice.<\/p>\n

“To me, it is about stacking up his actions throughout his shifts. Whether it was a good shift or a bad shift, it is about what is next.”<\/p>\n

– Martin St-Louis<\/p>\n

He particularly emphasized the psychological aspect of number 72\u2019s game, urging him to avoid emotional ups and downs.<\/p>\n

“You cannot fluctuate mentally because of either side of that; just stay the course and focus on the next action.” he added.<\/p>\n

Martin St-Louis sets clear expectations for Arber Xhekaj\u2019s role and development<\/p>\n

This clear message from St-Louis shows that management holds the young defenseman in high regard, but expects greater maturity in his decision-making.<\/p>\n

Martin St-Louis concluded his remarks by adding this:<\/p>\n

“I think when he does that, he is great. If he keeps simplicity in his game and defends hard, he is great.”<\/p>\n

– St-Louis<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a clear directive for the “Sheriff”: the team does not need him to reinvent the wheel or attempt overly risky plays.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens desperately need his physical presence and protective instinct, provided that energy is channeled intelligently.<\/p>\n

That is the message conveyed by Martin St-Louis here.<\/p>\n

If he follows this advice closely, Xhekaj should earn greater trust from his head coach.<\/p>\n

Here is the interview below:<\/p>\n

Arber Xhekaj, 25, is a 6-foot-4 defenseman who went undrafted in the NHL.<\/p>\n

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n

POLL<\/p>\n

3 HOURS AGO|210 ANSWERS<\/p>\n

Martin St-Louis explains exactly what Arber Xhekaj must do to stay in the Canadiens lineup<\/p>\n

Do you believe Arber Xhekaj will be able to simplify his game as requested by Martin St-Louis?<\/p>\n

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