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Marc Denis: If Xhekaj doesn’t play, it’s because the others ahead of him are more effective
Marc-Olivier Cook
Marc Denis: If Xhekaj doesn’t play, it’s because the others ahead of him are more effective
Credit: Getty Images
Since March 28, the Canadiens have played nine games.

And from the bunch… Arber Xhekaj has participated in only one of those games.

The Canadiens’ defenseman is often sitting out lately – especially since Kaiden Guhle’s injury. And it’s not because the Sheriff is not being kind…

Marc Denis perfectly summed up the situation this afternoon on On Jase (RDS): if Xhekaj is not playing right now, it’s because he is not always reliable on the ice.

Jayden Struble is (really) better than him at 5 on 5 and while the Habs are trying to get their ticket to the playoffs, the team can’t afford to have a guy who is struggling on the ice.

Xhekaj doesn’t always make the right decisions, he’s not efficient in zone exits… and that’s mainly why he’s not playing lately.

The explanations from the Habs’ game analyst on RDS are logical:

I really have the feeling that Xhekaj could play on Wednesday if – and only if – the Canadiens get their ticket to the playoffs tonight by beating the Hawks.

But… just because he plays on Wednesday doesn’t mean he’ll play in the playoffs.

Again: the Canadiens need to use the best players they have right now, and Xhekaj is not one of them for the moment.

Struble is efficient, Savard is more efficient than Xhekaj even if he has slowed down… and the other Habs defensemen (Matheson, Hutson, Guhle, and Carrier) are untouchable right now.

We know Xhekaj can bring a physical presence to the Canadiens’ lineup… but his physicality is not that important if he makes mistakes in the defensive zone – which happens often.

That being said, the rest of the story will be interesting in Xhekaj’s case. The more it goes, the more it seems like he’s having trouble cementing his place in the lineup, and at some point, maybe he’ll force Kent Hughes to make a decision.

Could he be included in a big trade this summer to go get a quality forward?

I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens…


Overtime

– Game face.

– To follow…

– I like the style.

– He’s having a great season.

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