Arber Xhekaj: Despite the contractual impasse, he meets with supporters

Mathis Therrien
Arber Xhekaj: Despite the contractual impasse, he meets with supporters
Credit: Arianne Bergeron/NHLI via Getty Images

As the Montreal Canadiens' 2026–2027 season approaches, Kent Hughes and his team still have two important internal matters to resolve.

In fact, two of his players remain unsigned for the upcoming season, and the more time that passes, the more urgent these matters become.

Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj are still not under contract with the Habs for the 2026–2027 season, which is set to begin shortly.

Obviously, there's no cause for major concern, but we're all wondering why the two players still haven't reached an agreement with the Habs.

This is especially true in Xhekaj's case, as his future with the Canadiens is also in question.

Still, despite his contract impasse, Xhekaj continues to represent the Habs in public, as he will do today in Joliette at Hockey Fest.

In fact, Xhekaj, who will be joined by Lane Hutson and Chris Nilan, will be at the Meet and Greet to meet and greet Habs fans who make the trip.

It's a wonderful gesture on the part of all three players, and especially on Xhekaj's part, as he could very well have decided to decline the invitation given his contractual situation.

He could have waited until he was under contract before continuing to participate in such events, but no—in the end, he'll be there, and he'll make a lot of fans happy.

It's quite positive to see the Habs' #72 show up at this event, and it's encouraging for what lies ahead regarding his contract.

I'd be surprised to learn that the relationship between the Canadiens and Xhekaj is currently strained or difficult.


In a Nutshell

– Don't miss this today.

– It's still pretty close.

– Worth a read.

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