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Arber Xhekaj points out key area Canadiens must address ahead of upcoming season
Finishing at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, Arber Xhekaj and the Montreal Canadiens had a year to forget in the 2023-24 NHL Season. Xhekaj had a rather mixed bag of a season, having played 44 games and contributing to 3 goals and 7 assists.
On Wednesday, Xhekaj signed a two-year contract extension worth $2.6 million and later spoke to the media. When asked about the preparations for next season, he complimented the front office and also mentioned an area the team has to improve on next campaign:
"I think they've done a great job. And we're building something special here .... we can't lose those games in overtime. We can't lose those games in a shootout."
The Canadiens lost 16 games in overtime last season, tying for worst in the NHL with the New York Islanders, and lost eight of 12 shootouts. When asked how close he thinks they are to a playoff spot, Xhekaj said:
"We're on the right path here, and we're trying really hard to get to where we need to go. So I think we're all excited. And from game one to game 82, our goal is nothing less than to make the playoffs."
The Canadiens will continue to add to their roster, and with a contract extension signed, Xhekaj will look to silence his critics in the upcoming season.
Arber Xhekaj's $2.6 million contract extension could signal a bigger role in upcoming season
Arber Xhekaj signed a two-year contract extension worth $2.6 million, which takes his contract until the end of the 2025-26 season. This is the second contract for the 23-year-old, following his debut professional contract in October 2021.
The defenseman was a bright spot for the Canadiens last season and his extension was on the cards as a reward for his performances. Xhekaj also played 17 games for the Laval Rockets in the AHL and recorded three goals and eight assists.
With a new deal in hand, it will be interesting to see if Arber Xhekaj gets integrated into the starting lineup more and if the Canadiens can add pieces to help him develop. Having conceded the highest number of goals in the Atlantic Division, fans will be hoping for defensive reinforcements.
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