3 reasons why Canadiens extending Arber Xhekaj might not work out

By Evan Bell

Modified Jul 30, 2024 15:29 GMT

On Tuesday, defenseman Arber Xhekaj signed a two-year extension with the Montreal Canadiens. The hard-hitting defender who led the team in hits has dealt with injuries during his time with the Canadiens; however, when healthy, he has proven himself to be one of the best young defenders in the league.

With the team committed to developing young prospects like Xhekaj, the future looks bright in Montreal, even if the team isn't currently a favorite to win the Stanley Cup. Between their prospect pool, future draft picks, and the young players signed to their roster, there are plenty of reasons for Habs fans to be optimistic.

Despite that, things can change quickly across the league at the drop of a hat. From blockbuster trades to luck in the draft lottery, each offseason brings a slew of changes that franchises will have to navigate.

Three reasons why the Canadiens extending Arber Xhekaj may not work out

#3. Future draft picks

Currently, the Montreal Canadiens are sitting on a trove of draft picks that will see them make nine picks in the first four rounds of the 2025 NHL draft. Specifically, the team's own 2025 pick seems to be their best chance of landing a top pick in the draft, with a 68.02 rating on PuckPedia.

If the team winds up acquiring a generational talent on defense, it could hurt Xhekaj's chances of securing a massive contract once his two-year extension is up and he enters his prime. Similarly, if the Habs add another young defenseman to their roster, his development could suffer.

#2. Playing time

Looking at the Montreal Canadiens' lines, Arber Xhekaj appears to be a third-line player. As a promising young player who led the team in hits last year, his ongoing development will be heavily reliant on receiving adequate playing time.

With other young defenders ahead of him in Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis will have to juggle playing time for Xhekaj and several other talented young defenders. What the Canadiens put into Xhekaj over the next two years will likely be what they get back, and it starts with playing time.

#1. Injuries

While Arber Xhekaj has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career since going undrafted, he has also dealt with two shoulder injuries in back-to-back seasons. Because of that, there is some concern about his ability to stay healthy.

Last season, he played 44 games for the Canadiens, while the season before, he played 51. Although he has outplayed his contract thus far, injuries will be a major deciding factor in how the next two years will play out for the Ontario native.