Patrik Laine deal: Arber Xhekaj didn’t believe in it

I don’t know what your reaction was when you opened your Facebook on August 19 around 3:30 pm, but personally, I was surprised.

The Patrik Laine deal left a lot of people speechless.

And at first, Arber Xhekaj didn’t even believe it. When his mother broke the news to him, he said, “Are you sure it’s not amock trade on social networks?”.

It all became very real when Laine’s number was added to the players’ conversation.

Xhekaj was surprised, but like his team-mates, he was delighted with the news.

I couldn’t believe it. – Arber Xhekaj

And according to him, Laine’s arrival was very well received, so much so that all the players welcomed him. Laine, who was also very enthusiastic, was contacted by Xhekaj himself. He said how excited he was to have her in the group.

For all the excitement about bringing a natural scorer to town, there’s another side to the coin: the departure of Jordan Harris, a much-loved guy in the locker room. Xhekaj admitted that it was hard to lose a guy like him, but the organization is moving in the right direction.

His acquisition represents another step towards the playoffs. He didn’t say it, but it also secures his place in the top-6 of Montreal’s back line…

Overtime

– I would have liked to see him with the Jays this season…

Joey Votto’s message to Blue Jays fans. pic.twitter.com/bvST2v3xzc

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 22, 2024

– Things are going well in Columbus.

While Montreal is going through its umpteenth implosion (or transition, depending on the rosé level of your smoked glasses), Wilfried Nancy’s Crew is qualifying for another final.

So goes the life of the ambitious, of those who play the game to win https://t.co/eR4 Es0xsNC

– Arcadio Marcuzzi (@_marcuzzi) August 22, 2024