Arber Xhekaj Already Replaced by the Canadiens? Expert Analyst Believes the Fan-Favourite Enforcer Has Been Passed by the Young Jayden Struble

With Arber Xhekaj out of the lineup, a young defenseman is slowly gaining prominence and is beginning to challenge Xhekaj's position in the defensive squad.

Although he has played only one NHL game, praises for Jayden Struble's play are already evident. In fact, one of the experts I highly regard at RDS, Bruno Gervais, has just made a significant statement about what's on the horizon for the Canadiens.

The former defenseman with 418 NHL games under his belt believes that Struble will surpass Xhekaj, due to his ability to make plays and his speed on the ice.

Gervais is quite familiar with the 22-year-old American, having covered many of his games in the AHL. Those who watch the show "On jase" know he has always spoken highly of him.

This highlights a very interesting situation for the team's management. Due to the depth in defense in the organization, internal competition is gradually intensifying, and we might see some movements sooner than expected.

If David Savard, Michael Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Johnathan Kovacevic, Justin Barron, Jordan Harris, and Arber Xhekaj make up the CH's regular seven defenders, the imminent arrival of other promising youngsters like Struble, Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, and Logan Mailloux could eventually force some trades.

Many young players are slowly making their way into the picture, and battles for positions are expected very soon.