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Jayden Struble out with injury, opening a big opportunity for Arber Xhekaj vs. Avalanche
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
We have an important last-minute injury announcement from the Montreal Canadiens.
Martin St-Louis had initially decided to remove Arber Xhekaj from his lineup this Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche, in favor of young Adam Engstrom.
However, we have had a twist in the last few minutes. Seconds before puck drop, the organization announced that Struble will miss the game with an injury.
Surprise: Jayden Struble is injured, so Arber Xhekaj will play against the Colorado Avalanche
Against all expectations, in the last few minutes, the Canadiens organization has indeed announced an injury for 24-year-old defenseman Jayden Struble.
We will keep you updated with the details, but Struble has an upper-body injury and will (at minimum) miss today's game.
Arber Xhekaj, 24 years old, has 1 point in 21 games this season, with 42 penalty minutes and a negative differential of −4.
Jayden Struble, 24 years old, has 4 points in 19 games this season, with 32 penalty minutes and a negative differential of −3.
"The Canadiens announce that Jayden Struble will not be playing in tonight's game.
Adam Engstrom draws in."
- Marco D'Amico
Adam Engstrom draws in."
- Marco D'Amico
This gives us the following for the full lineup.
Caufield - Suzuki - Bolduc
Slafkovsky - Kapanen - Demidov
Texier - Evans - Anderson
F. Xhekaj - Veleno - Gallagher
Matheson - Dobson
A. Xhekaj - Hutson
Engstrom - Carrier
Dobes (starter)
Montembeault
Slafkovsky - Kapanen - Demidov
Texier - Evans - Anderson
F. Xhekaj - Veleno - Gallagher
Matheson - Dobson
A. Xhekaj - Hutson
Engstrom - Carrier
Dobes (starter)
Montembeault
As you can see, Xhekaj is slotted into the top four and will play alongside Lane Hutson. That's a big opportunity for him to prove he can handle a key role next to the team's top defenseman.
More details to come.
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