With a surplus of left-handed defensemen in the organization, several solutions emerged to bring Arber Xhekaj back to Montreal as quickly as possible, including transforming him into a forward. This idea aimed to circumvent the organizational surplus while keeping Xhekaj in the lineup, similar to what happened with Nicolas Deslauriers when he transitioned to a forward role in the NHL.
While some thought the idea was not good, others found it intriguing. However, Kent Hughes, addressing this topic that has generated much discussion in recent weeks, has put an end to the speculation.
This definitively ends the possibility of such a transformation in Montreal. The decision appears sound, especially in light of Xhekaj's excellent performance with the Rocket, where he's used as a leading defenseman.
With 11 points in 15 games, Xhekaj has shown potential in offense, which should be utilized in the defensive brigade. Otherwise, he risks being relegated to a sixth or seventh defenseman role, reverting to his pre-Laval form.
However, the surplus of left-handed defensemen complicates managing Xhekaj's role in defense. With players like Kaiden Guhle, Michael Matheson, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, and Jordan Harris on the left side, it will be challenging to carve out a suitable spot for him in the future.
