Canadiens' Defensive Picture Appears Clearer Days Ahead Of Season Opener

While Jayden Struble began training camp as the favorite to secure the sixth defenseman spot in Montreal, ahead of Arber Xhekaj, the situation has completely changed today.

That's what Martin St-Louis once again confirmed this morning by deploying his new defensive pairings.

It is indeed Xhekaj who is paired with Alexandre Carrier on the third pairing.

Everything indicates that these will be the official pairings to start the 2025-2026 season, and everything therefore indicates that Arber Xhekaj has finally earned his spot!

Jayden Struble and Adam Engstrom will therefore be the two extras.

We find exactly the same information in today's official press release from the Montreal Canadiens.

I love it! It must be said that Arber is having an excellent camp and fully deserves to wear the A.

Speaking of this morning's Montreal Canadiens practice, let's recall a beautiful sight spotted on the ice with the return of Ivan Demidov!

As well as this..

Things are coming together more and more for Martin St-Louis, just a few days before the start of the regular season.