The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed restricted free agent defenceman Arber Xhekaj to a two year deal worth $2.6 million. The deal carries him through the end of the 2025-26 season and carries a cap hit of $1.3 million per season. The terms of the deal were announced on Tuesday.
2 X 1,3M$
https://t.co/YAj3Pr8Zg4
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 30, 2024
Arber Xhekaj Inks New Deal with Canadiens
Xhekaj has spent the last two seasons playing with the Canadiens. In 95 career games, he has scored eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points.
Last season, Xhekaj produced three goals and 10 points in 44 games with the Habs, while also scoring three goals and 11 points with the Laval Rocket in the AHL.
Xhekaj entered the league as an undrafted rookie back in 2021 after earning a three-year entry-level deal with the Canadiens after being invited to both the rookie and the team’s main training camp.
Canadiens Solidify Depth on the Backend with Xhekaj Signing
The signing of Arber Xhekaj is a very popular one amongst Habs fans and an important one for the organization going forward. Xhekaj has become a fan favourite in his short time with the Habs as well as an important fixture on the back-end. He provides the toughness that, despite how much the game has changed, is still much needed in today’s NHL.
Xhekaj also possesses a powerful shot from the point. This has helped him find time on the Habs second power play unit.
There were a lot of rumours swirling around the young defender. However, general manager Kent Hughes rejected any potential offers for the rugged rearguard to keep him in the fold. Xhekaj’s rough and tough play is something general managers around the league still salivate over. Hence the reports of numerous calls from clubs checking in on his availability. However, for the time being, Xhekaj will remain with the bleu, blanc, et rouge for the foreseeable future.
Main Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
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