Martin St-Louis’s sign of the cross, Arber Xhekaj’s redemption, and Kaiden Guhle’s desire to change

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Martin St-Louis’s sign of the cross, Arber Xhekaj’s redemption, and Kaiden Guhle’s desire to change
Credit: Capture d'écran/Twitter

Have you noticed that during Canadiens games, Martin St-Louis always makes a little sign of the cross? He does it before his team's games.

In a Quebec that is increasingly distancing itself from religion, this stands out.

As Renaud Lavoie explained, the Canadiens' coach does this to protect his players. It's his way of getting into the game.

The topic has sparked a bit of discussion, but I don't see the problem. It's discreet (we hadn't noticed it before it was mentioned), it's his choice, and if it helps him, all the better.

Next story.

Arber

Xhekaj's Redemption

I don't know if he's been protected by his coach's prayers, but for the past few weeks, Arber Xhekaj has been exactly the player he needs to be.

I know, I know: Kaiden Guhle and Noah Dobson's injuries have forced the Canadiens to play Jayden Struble AND Arber Xhekaj more often than not in the same game.

But the Sheriff is really stepping up. In fact, right now, he's doing his job.

While the team seemed to struggle to find a role for him in recent months, the situation has changed. He's getting good ice time alongside his friend Struble.

This is good news for Xhekaj (who was recently featured in a Canadiens video) since, in reality, the situation has temporarily changed. But it won't last forever.

What situation am I talking about?

The fact that Noah Dobson will eventually return to the lineup. The fact that Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher will be pushing for ice time in the big league in 2026-2027. The fact that Jayden Struble is still under the club's control.

Earning a spot next year won't be easy for #72, and we've been talking about this for a while. But whether it's here or elsewhere, Xhekaj is currently making a case to remind the entire league that he can get the job done in the NHL.

Kaiden Guhle wants a change

We've said it before: Kaiden Guhle's injuries, particularly late in the season, opened the door for Xhekaj to play more often. This isn't the first time #21 has been injured.

And now, he's clearly fed up, as he wants to change his summer training regimen to be healthier for next season. His agent, Allain Roy, spoke about it with Jean-Charles Lajoie (TVA Sports) last night.

Building muscle is reportedly part of the plan.

The defenseman has played only 208 of the Canadiens' 328 regular-season games over the past four years. That's about 30 games missed per year for a player whose career high is 70 games.


In a nutshell

– That won't happen.

– Interesting.

– Reminder.

– True.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!