The Laval Rocket doesn't want to lose Arber Xhekaj

The arrival of a defenseman of Arber Xhekaj’s stature in the Laval Rocket line-up has completely changed the picture of a club that was struggling and languishing at the bottom of the league.

The Sheriff’s aura and stature are so powerful that, since his arrival, this group has climbed the ladder and, as of today, is fighting for a playoff spot (just one point behind).

The Rocket is riding a four-game winning streak and has won eight of its last ten games. With such a record, Jean-François Houle’s team is one win away from the .500 plateau.

If the Rocket is playing the best hockey of its season, it’s because of several key points, according to Anthony Marcotte, the voice of the Montreal Canadiens’ club-school.

Among the key points are the arrival of Xhekaj, the addition of Kasimir Kaskisuo, who is playing a solid and unhoped-for roll since becoming a member of the Laval squad. Jakub Dobes is also doing very well since the addition of the catalyst wearing the number 72.

Update @RocketLaval!@anthonymarcotte updates us on the amazing performances of the Laval club and on a few players who stand out from the crowd. #hockey #ahl #nhl pic.twitter.com/bxSpsOCnYD

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) January 9, 2024

Houle was quick to point out just how good the Sheriff was, going so far as to say that his new protégé had the makings of a first-round pick. The Rocket driver can’t understand why Arber Xhekaj was never drafted… and he’s not the only one.

Since joining the farm club, Xhekaj has been used with Logan Mailloux, and the two young defensemen are developing quite a chemistry. A unison they could bring to the Tricolore sooner rather than later.

Although he has only 12 games under his belt with the Rocket, the Sheriff’s 10 points rank him 9th among the team’s top scorers. Quite a feat, isn’t it?

In short, with a performance like that, it’s obvious that Houle doesn’t want to lose his Sheriff… except that he knows he’ll be back on top in no time.