Here’s the latest on Arber Xhekaj:
A January 2026 roundup from The Hockey News highlights Xhekaj reinvigorating his game with increased physical play and disciplined defense as Montreal Canadiens teammates (like Guhle) consider lineup adjustments with his improved form. This suggests he’s firmly in the Canadiens’ plans as they push for stability on the blue line.[1]
A 2025 piece notes Xhekaj’s continued development in Laval (AHL) with strong goal-scoring and penalty-killing duties, underscoring his role as a bottom-six forward with an edge who could contribute at the NHL level in the future. While not a guaranteed top-six role, this path emphasizes organizational trust in his two-way game and physical presence.[2]
Additional video and outlet coverage through late 2024–2025 emphasizes his growth, leadership potential, and increasing involvement in pivotal moments for the Habs, including on-ice physical deterrence and leadership expectations as he matures into a key role on the roster.[6][7]
If you want, I can pull the most recent Canadiens-related clips or articles and summarize them with direct quotes. I can also assemble a quick timeline of Xhekaj’s season-by-season progression and highlight any notable shifts in role or discipline. Would you like that?
Citations:
Arber Xhekaj’s younger brother Florian is currently playing his first year of professional hockey with the Laval Rocket, and to say the 101st pick at the 2023 draft is having a good season would be an understatement.
thehockeynews.comCanadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj captivated audiences before even stepping onto the ice on Thursday night. The reason? His eye-catching suit.
www.sportingnews.comKaiden Guhle will soon return to the Montreal Canadiens, and that means that one of Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj will have to make way. It shouldn't be Xhekaj...
thehockeynews.comRookie training camps are underway across the NHL, and some prospects like the Canadiens' Florian Xhekaj will be making an impression with their physical play.
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