Hockey

Arber Xhekaj, assistant to the captain: push, but push evenly
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Arber Xhekaj, assistant to the captain: push, but push evenly
Credit: YouTube / Habs

There's an ongoing debate as to whether Arber Xhekaj should have an “A” on his jersey for the next few years. Recently, he was seen sporting the title of assistant captain during camp. This morning, on BPM Sports, Anthony Marcotte and Gilbert Delorme were obstinate on the subject:

According to Gilbert Delorme, it wouldn't be naughty to name him since the way his teammates react around him says a lot about what he exudes. And according to Anthony Marcotte, the answer is no since he's a support player. It's true, as Gilbert says, that it's not just the stars who get a letter. But does that make Xhekaj an assistant? Not in my eyes. And not in Montreal

I don't see the current management giving Xhekaj a letter. The relationship obviously hasn't always been easy, and while I know things can change, I have a feeling it would take a big change for that to happen. How can a player who didn't play every game in the playoff race and was left out for two games in Washington get a letter later? I don't see it. When Brendan Gallagher and Mike Matheson have to be replaced, I see candidates before the Sheriff. For example? Jake Evans and Alexandre Carrier, keeping with the theme of depth players, would be ahead of Xhekaj in my eyes. And in a few years' time, the Habs will also see which stars can earn a letter, but that doesn't mean the player isn't important. And as we said this week, he and his brother are getting more and more recognition in the NHL – especially after Tuesday's game. But Arber with an “A” on his jersey? Pushes, but pushes even, in my opinion.

'en

– To watch.

– Of note.

– Beautiful photo.

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