Jayden Struble's rough night against the Sabres fuels calls for Arber Xhekaj's return
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
If it wasn't already clear, it has now been confirmed for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble.
He is clearly less useful than Arber Xhekaj, and we saw it once again against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night at the Bell Centre.
On Thursday, Jayden Struble once again had a difficult night.
For a while now, we've seen him constantly going in and out of the lineup, and that eventually sticks to a player.
When you're sent to the press box and then brought back, every shift becomes an audition.
The problem is that the Canadiens don't exactly have the luxury of playing yo-yo on the blue line for much longer, especially considering Arber Xhekaj was playing very good hockey before being sent to the stands.
Martin St-Louis is going to play Arber Xhekaj in the next game: he simply has no choice, especially against the Boston Bruins!
Meanwhile, Arber Xhekaj is indeed still waiting.
This season, he has played 45 games, with 2 points and 102 penalty minutes.
He also already has 210 career games, 31 points, and 402 penalty minutes.
That's a lot of experience for a guy who is being treated like a backup option.
Jayden Struble now finds himself at the center of a major debate.
In Struble's case, the story is different.
In 2023-2024, he played 56 games in Montreal, with 10 points and 57 penalty minutes.
Last season, again 56 games, 13 points, and 52 penalty minutes.
He's not a defenseman who came out of nowhere, and his numbers show he can contribute, but he's simply not up to the task lately, especially when compared to Xhekaj.
On Saturday against the Bruins, Martin St-Louis will have a decision that is simple to explain, but not simple to sell.
If Struble stays in the lineup, it comes with immediate pressure and a certain level of confusion.
If Xhekaj comes back in, it sends a clear message to the locker room and to the fans.
One thing is certain: the topic isn't going away, especially after what we all saw on the ice against the Buffalo Sabres last night.
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Canadiens announce change of plan ahead of crucial 4-point game vs Boston Bruins
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23|2011 ANSWERS Jayden Struble's rough night against the Sabres fuels calls for Arber Xhekaj's return Who should play on Saturday, Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble? | ||
| Arber Xhekaj | 1867 | 92.8 % |
| Jayden Struble | 75 | 3.7 % |
| Both | 69 | 3.4 % |
| List of polls | ||