Arber Xhekaj Out as Martin St-Louis Adjusts Canadiens Lineup vs Predators
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We have some bad news to announce for fans of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.
While Martin St-Louis seemed determined just a few days ago to make him a full-time NHL defenseman-and while many expected Xhekaj to play all 82 games this season (or close to it)-it appears the head coach has changed his mind.
Arber Xhekaj has been taken out of the Montreal Canadiens lineup in favor of Jayden Struble
The next question, then, is this... What will happen to Xhekaj if Struble has a strong game?
It's always risky to lose your spot in the lineup, because you never know when you'll get it back... It can take a while!
Also worth noting:
Speaking of tonight's lineup, let's also note that Martin St-Louis has chosen Jakub Dobes as the starting goalie.
Things are definitely stirring within the Tricolore today!
After that announcement about Dobes, the Canadiens made a second one-this time involving Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble.
Here are the confirmations:
"Stroobs makes his season debut and Doby starts in net against the Preds"
- Montreal Canadiens
- Montreal Canadiens
"Habs line-up changes for tonight's game vs Nashville
Jayden Struble IN / Arber Xhekaj OUT
Jakub Dobes gets the start in goal"
- Priyanta Emrith
Jayden Struble IN / Arber Xhekaj OUT
Jakub Dobes gets the start in goal"
- Priyanta Emrith
Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkovsky
Zachary Bolduc - Kirby Dach - Brendan Gallagher
Alex Newhook - Oliver Kapanen - Ivan Demidov
Josh Anderson - Jake Evans - Patrik Laine
Mike Matheson - Noah Dobson
Kaiden Guhle - Lane Hutson
Jayden Struble - Alex Carrier
Jakub Dobes
Samuel Montembeault
Zachary Bolduc - Kirby Dach - Brendan Gallagher
Alex Newhook - Oliver Kapanen - Ivan Demidov
Josh Anderson - Jake Evans - Patrik Laine
Mike Matheson - Noah Dobson
Kaiden Guhle - Lane Hutson
Jayden Struble - Alex Carrier
Jakub Dobes
Samuel Montembeault
Nashville Predators' Projected Lineup:
Forsberg - O'Reilly - Stamkos
Jost - Svechkov - Evangelista
Bunting - Haula - Marchessault
Smith - McCarron - Wiesblatt
Wilsby - Josi
Skjei - Perbix
Statsney - Barron
Saros
Jost - Svechkov - Evangelista
Bunting - Haula - Marchessault
Smith - McCarron - Wiesblatt
Wilsby - Josi
Skjei - Perbix
Statsney - Barron
Saros
We've clearly seen Xhekaj fall out of favor with Martin St-Louis over the past few games... And now it's ended with the Sheriff returning to the press box.
Xhekaj played only 6 minutes and 48 seconds against the Chicago Blackhawks, and less than 10 minutes against the Seattle Kraken.
What's your prediction for the game?
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 16 | 593 ANSWERS Arber Xhekaj Out as Martin St-Louis Adjusts Canadiens Lineup vs Predators What's your prediction for tonight's game between Montreal and Nashville? | ||
| A close win for Montreal | 500 | 84.3 % |
| A close win for Nashville | 21 | 3.5 % |
| An easy win for Montreal | 55 | 9.3 % |
| An easy win for Nashville | 17 | 2.9 % |
| List of polls | ||