"That's a steal for him": Paul Bissonnette weighs in on Arber Xhekaj $2.6M Montreal Canadiens extension

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Aug 07, 2024 06:08 GMT

Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette has shared his thoughts on Arber Xhekaj's contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs signed the 23-year-old defenseman to a two-year deal worth $2.6 million, with an average annual value of $1.3 million.

On the recent segment of the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast, Bissonnette opined that the deal signed by Xhekaj is a great opportunity for him. Reflecting on the young defenseman's past season where he had a stint in the minors, Biz sees this contract as a beneficial bridge deal for the player.

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"Yeah, well I think that's a steal for him for sure," Bissonnette said. "Last year he did get sent down to the minors for a little bit. I don't know if it was like some form of a conditioning stint, but I think it's a nice little bridge deal where he'll have the next couple years. The team will be getting better and better, and then maybe he can get his payday after that."

Bissonnette highlighted Arber Xhekaj's physicality, toughness, shot-blocking skills, and powerful shot from the blue line, comparing him to the fifth or sixth defenseman with the potential to score 10 to 12 goals in a season.

He added:

"I mean, this is a guy who can throw the body. Obviously, he's tough as hell. He'll block shots. He's got an absolute cannon from the back end. So he's kind of like a fifth-sixth defenseman where hey, if he gets a couple good opportunities, it could be a year where he's got 10-12 goals. He's kind of got that Sheldon Souray type bomb."

The insights from Paul Bissonnette suggested that as the team improves over the next couple of years, Xhekaj might be in line for a more lucrative contract.

Paul Bissonnette puts Arber Xhekaj in heavyweight division of NHL

Paul Bissonette considers Arber Xhekaj to be a strong contender in the heavyweight division of the NHL, possibly ranking in the top five or ten.

Bissonnette praised Xhekaj's size, youth, and willingness to engage physically, predicting that he will quickly rise to the top five if he hasn't already reached that status.

"I would consider him easily probably in the top five right now in the heavyweight division in the NHL, if not top 10. But to have a guy of that size and that young who is that willing, he'll be top five in no time if he ain't already there," said Bissonnette.

Xhekaj was signed by the Habs as an undrafted player in the 2022–23 season. The 23-year-old defenseman has been with the club for the last two seasons, scoring 23 points (eight goals and 15 assists) in 95 career games.