Analyst reveals why Arber Xhekaj's spot with the Canadiens suddenly looks uncertain
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens may be about to make a disappointing decision regarding defenseman Arber Xhekaj, according to Tony Marinaro.
Do not be surprised if, especially when Kaiden Guhle returns, Arber Xhekaj is outright sent down to the Laval Rocket.
According to Tony Marinaro, Xhekaj could flat-out finish the season as the Canadiens' 9th defenseman. Ninth defenseman!
The worst-case scenario is becoming reality for young defenseman Arber Xhekaj
Ninth defenseman is very far from a regular spot in the National Hockey League.
In his podcast, Tony Marinaro indeed mentioned that Xhekaj could finish the season as the team's ninth defenseman, notably behind Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher, and Jayden Struble.
"When other defensemen are going to enter the lineup, this is going to happen. And by the way, at one point, Kaiden Guhle is going to enter the lineup. If there's no injuries at that time, and Adam Engstrom keeps on going the way he's going, and David Reimbacher keeps on playing the way he played in the last week, I mean, Arber can theoretically, with a healthy lineup, by the end of the season, end up being ninth." - Tony Marinaro
See his full explanation right here:
NHL waivers could therefore come into play, and major decisions are coming for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens regarding Arber Xhekaj.
I am very eager to see what happens next in his case, but with Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Alexandre Carrier, Jayden Struble, Adam Engstrom, and David Reinbacher, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Xhekaj to secure a regular spot on defense.
And you, what is your opinion on all this?
What would you do with Arber Xhekaj if you were in Martin St-Louis' position?
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 28 | 1163 ANSWERS Analyst reveals why Arber Xhekaj's spot with the Canadiens suddenly looks uncertain What would you do with Arber Xhekaj if you were in Martin St-Louis' position? | ||
| I leave him in the lineup on defense. | 771 | 66.3 % |
| I take him out of the lineup. | 86 | 7.4 % |
| I try him as a forward. | 263 | 22.6 % |
| Other | 43 | 3.7 % |
| List of polls | ||