Arber Xhekaj's Fate Confirmed: We Now Know the Likelihood of a Call-Up

General Manager Kent Hughes will soon have to make significant decisions. With the rise of Jayden Struble and the presence of regular defensemen like Kaiden Guhle, Michael Matheson, David Savard, Jordan Harris, Justin Barron, and Johnathan Kovacevic, space in Montreal's defensive lineup is becoming increasingly limited.

This doesn't even take into account prospects such as Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, in addition to Arber Xhekaj, who is currently with Laval.

In the near future, the Canadiens' GM will inevitably have to trade some of these talented defensemen to address the team's lack of offensive firepower.

Despite the team's current good performance, the main challenge for the organization remains the lack of elite offensive talent. Arber Xhekaj's name has frequently surfaced in trade discussions, especially since his demotion to Laval, with some observers suggesting that this robust defenseman could be a valuable trade asset for the Canadiens.

However, reports by journalist Eric Engels could reassure fans: Xhekaj is not expected to leave the team. According to Engels, he is an asset for the CH organization and is here to stay, which is great news for supporters.

At 22 years old, Xhekaj is currently developing with the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens' affiliate team. He plays significant minutes and has shown signs of improvement, with a goal and four points in seven games since joining the AHL.

He plays a leading role alongside Logan Mailloux, another promising defenseman in the organization.

In addition to his role as an enforcer, Xhekaj brings a physical presence and possesses qualities that will serve the Canadiens for many years to come.