Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj vows to keep playing physically

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Since being signed as an undrafted free agent in October 2021, Arber Xhekaj has used a physical, combative presence as his ticket to the NHL.

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But that was two shoulder surgeries ago.

Nonetheless, the Canadiens defenceman vowed on Tuesday, after being signed to a two-year, US$2.6-million contract, that he won’t change his style. Instead, entering his third season with Montreal, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder vowed he’ll play smarter, attempt to take fewer penalties while becoming more of a leader.

“After I fixed my right shoulder I didn’t look back,” Xhekaj said during a video conference call. “It didn’t affect my game at all. The way I played, obviously maybe the way I worked out when I was younger, definitely took some wear and tear on my shoulders. Obviously I needed to get them both done. I don’t feel any different or worried at all about changing my game. I feel fully strong and mentally strong as well.”

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The 23-year-old Hamilton native scored three goals and 10 points in 44 games last season for the Canadiens. He led the team with 81 penalty minutes and topped all NHL defencemen with 125 hits. He had a plus/minus rating of plus-6 while averaging slightly less than 16 minutes of ice time. Xhekaj’s game improved after a 17-game stint with AHL Laval, where he scored three goals and 11 points.

Following Xhekaj’s availability, the Canadiens announced they also signed defenceman Justin Barron to a two-year, US$2.3-million contract. The 22-year-old Barron, selected in the first-round (25th overall) by Colorado in 2020, scored seven goals and 13 points in 48 games last season for Montreal. Barron completed the season with the Rocket, producing two goals and 11 points in 32 games. Barron was traded in March 2022 to the Canadiens, along with a 2024 second-round pick, for Artturi Lehkonen.

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Both Xhekaj and Barron had been restricted free agents.

“Next year is a big year for me,” Xhekaj said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys. A couple of us are going into our third year. We have to take that leadership role. That’s something I want to work on. I also want to be more concrete in my defensive game, make sure night in and night out I’m a great defender for the team.

“Also staying healthy for the whole season; that’s a big one,” he added, noting he expects to be ready for the start of training camp in September. He said his recovery is progressing well. He has resumed skating and has battled in the corner while avoiding hitting. Xhekaj said he feels strong.

Xhekaj said his experience and maturity has taught him there’s an important role physical players possess in the NHL. He believes he can play a prominent role on a rebuilding team like the Canadiens. As his ice-time increases, he also hopes to become more of a lockdown defender who’s difficult to play against. But Xhekaj admitted he must become more consistent.

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“I’ve definitely had games where I’ve been that,” he said. “But there’s been some games where I’m kind of not all there (defensively). To become that pro, that effective defensive defenceman, you need to do it night in and night out. That’s when you start taking the next step in your game.

“We have a younger team. There are going to be points where I have to stick up for some guys, make sure everyone’s protected. Obviously I’ve got to do it smart, know when’s the right time, the right game. Come in with maturity. As you learn and play the game, you start to notice when you can do things. Obviously the minor penalties has to be cleaned up.”

Xhekaj realizes the competition along the blue line will be stiff at camp. The Canadiens are deep on defence, especially following the late-season addition of Lane Hutson. As well, it’s only a matter of time before Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher are ready to challenge for NHL jobs.

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Xhekaj said he can’t come to camp scared or nervous. After playing two seasons, he hopes to be counted on for his leadership. Having missed the playoffs three consecutive years, Xhekaj also realizes it’s paramount the team starts displaying signs of improvement. The Canadiens lost an NHL-leading 27 games by one goal in 2023-24.

“We have to get over that hump — and we can,” he said. “We can’t lose those games in overtime and shootouts. That’s our goal, to figure that one out. We’re on the right path here.”

Barron, meanwhile, now must clear waivers before he can be demoted to Laval. As a player who has admitted that defensive consistency is his weakness, establishing himself as a full-time NHL player becomes his immediate mandate.

“I feel confident in my game and my ability,” he said.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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