Martin St-Louis’ blue line is getting more congested, so Arber Xhekaj’s position with the Canadiens is under significant strain.
Stu Cowan issued the most recent caution, implying that Montreal’s long-term aspirations may not have enough space for Xhekaj.
Cowan stated that it seems more and more possible that Xhekaj won’t have a place in the future, particularly if the Canadiens sign the right-shot defenseman they have been searching for.
Since he entered the NHL, the player’s identity has been firmly linked to Montreal, making this news heartbreaking. What Xhekaj contributes is no longer the issue. The question is whether Montreal still requires it.
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The Canadiens have reached a point where every choice they make regarding the blue line has a price. Xhekaj may find himself in a tight position due to a number of factors, including younger alternatives, a balanced lineup, and the need for a second right-handed defender.
Cowan’s wording is important. It was not seen as a transient numbers issue or as something that would go away after training camp. He suggested that Xhekaj might not have a position once Montreal is done configuring its defense. .
Arber Xhekaj is all of a sudden under pressure from the squad.
Most Montreal defensemen have always been differentiated from Xhekaj’s physical advantage. But if St-Louis has pairings that move the puck more cleanly and fit the Canadiens’ favored combinations, that alone won’t assure regular minutes.
That makes a right-shot addition especially critical. Cowan obviously thinks Xhekaj is susceptible, and bringing another defenseman into the fold would make Montreal take someone out of the daily equation.
It also makes a difference to fight for the sixth position rather than having no clear position at all. The latter shifts the discussion from deployment to the future.
For Xhekaj, that may imply going into camp with much more than just ice time on the line. Every healthy scratch, roster decision, and pairing would be seen as evidence that Montreal is getting ready to go on.
The Canadiens are not obligated to decide today. However, Cowan’s evaluation highlights the direction the company may go before the squad is established.
Because he brought something unique to the bench, Xhekaj established himself as one of Montreal’s most well-known depth players. Now that being special might not be enough to preserve his spot.
According to Cowan, Xhekaj’s figures could eventually turn against him if Montreal adds the right-shot defenseman it is seeking. And that might put an end to his time with the Canadiens.
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