David Ettedgui: If healthy, Arber Xhekaj must be with the Habs for the next 10 years

It’s hard to say much about Arber Xhekaj’s potential.

Why is that? Because the sample size is small.

We know that he doesn’t hesitate before throwing down the gloves and that he brings a physical dimension to the Habs line-up, but we’re still talking about an undrafted guy who has only played 95 games in the National League.

That said, we know Xhekaj doesn’t have to fight every night to be useful in the Habs line-up.

When he uses his physical game, is focused in his zone and is able to reignite the attack with a good first pass, he’s talked about as an NHL defenseman.

Florian’s big brother has proven his worth, and although he still needs to work on certain aspects of his game, David Ettedgui has seen enough to say that he should be in the Habs line-up for the long term.

For Ettedgui (BPM Sports), Xhekaj has what it takes to have a great career in Montreal if he avoids injuries:

If he stays healthy, Xhekaj should be part of the team for the next ten years! – David Ettedgui

Do you share @EttedguiDavid’ s opinion?

To listen to his full column: https://t.co/pVffmqcSyI pic.twitter.com/oNsiOQ6Mcg

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) September 5, 2024

Players like Arber Xhekaj don’t run around.

He’s big, he’s tall, he’s mobile, and that makes him an interesting project in Montreal.

After all, we all know how things shake out in the playoffs…

There’s one thing he’s been criticized for, however, since his arrival in the National League, and that’s his decision-making.

Arber has a tendency to make quick passes out of the zone, and he’s not always a master at controlling the puck in the opposition’s zone, but these things can be learned over time too.

On the other hand, his potential is there on the bus, which explains why so many experts/fans want to keep him in town.

The defenseman has the assets to help the Habs, but he needs to use those assets in the right way if he’s to become a good NHL player.

And if we take a step back, we realize that this is where the challenge lies, with Arber Xhekaj.

Overtime

– It’s a sight to behold.

Calgary will never forget the Gaudreau family 🫶

via @NHLFlames pic.twitter.com/hYkVKtr3zK

– BarDown (@BarDown) September 5, 2024

– Interesting:

Three Habs prospects are starting the season in the VHL. Makar Khanin played 6:37 today in Dynamo St. Petersburg’s 3-1 win. He had two SOGs. Volokhin was the backup for Yugra in a 4-2 win. Kostenko was pointless in Khimik’s 4-0 victory. He played 22:42 in a top-pairing role.

– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) September 5, 2024