Quietly, while many young defensemen will be competing for a spot on the Canadiens' 2024-2025 roster, and with numerous rookies on defense, Xhekaj will practically be one of the older defensemen at camp (excluding, of course, David Savard and Michael Matheson).
Among Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom, and others, the Sheriff will almost act like a veteran to them.
In this context, the Montreal Canadiens will assign a new role to Arber Xhekaj this season, as a big brother and a positive leader.
In any case, he undoubtedly has the temperament and attitude to be a true leader in the Canadiens' locker room.
He's already very respected in the locker room anyway.
As reported by veteran journalist Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette, Xhekaj will be called upon to mentor the younger players this season, despite his own young age.
Stéphane Robidas and Martin St-Louis have often said that Xhekaj has the attitude of a leader, and this season, he'll have the opportunity to put that into practice.
It will certainly be interesting to watch him develop in this new role throughout the season.
Don't be surprised if he eventually wears a letter on his jersey.
Text: Montreal GazetteStu Cowan: Arber Xhekaj should be an inspiration for Canadiens rookies
Source: HabsolumentFanArber Xhekaj pourrait agir comme mentor dès cette année
POLL | ||
10 SEPTEMBRE | 892 ANSWERS The Montreal Canadiens assign a new role to Arber Xhekaj Do you think Arber Xhekaj would make a good assistant to captain Nick Suzuki? | ||
Yes | 751 | 84.2 % |
No | 141 | 15.8 % |
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