Without much fanfare, the rookie contract of young defenseman Arber Xhekaj, signed with the Montreal Canadiens in October 2021, is already coming to an end.
This summer, the Sheriff will thus be a restricted free agent, he will command a salary increase, and Kent Hughes will have a big file on his desk.
On one hand, Xhekaj is a unique player, who brings so much to the CH and the fans, but on the other side, he doesn't seem to play a style of game particularly appreciated by his head coach Martin St-Louis. (at least according to many)
Xhekaj, 23 years old, 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds, has accumulated six points in 28 games this season in the NHL and 11 points in 17 games in the AHL. (19 points in 79 career games with the Canadiens).
