Is Arber Xhekaj the Canadiens’ Indispensable Enforcer or Trade Bait?

For quite some time, the Montreal Canadiens have lacked physical players on their roster.

Georges Laraque and George Parros were the team’s last enforcers, but since Arber Xhekaj’s arrival, there’s been a sense of security among the players.

Xhekaj is more than just a bruiser; he instills confidence in his teammates with his fearless demeanor.

With players like Michael Pezzetta, known for his agitating style, the team feels safer, but their absence from the lineup creates a noticeable void.

While there are many players like Pezzetta, finding someone like Xhekaj is rare. He possesses impressive skating ability for his size, a powerful shot, and isn’t shy about throwing hits or dropping the gloves.

This leads to speculation about Xhekaj’s status within the Canadiens organization, a topic Georges Laraque brought up on BPM Sports’ Laraque et Gonzalez show.

During the discussion, Tony Marinaro expressed a surprising opinion, suggesting that Xhekaj isn’t untouchable if the right offer comes along.

Laraque disagreed, firmly stating his reluctance to trade Xhekaj. Marinaro clarified that there’s a distinction between not wanting to trade him and considering him untouchable.

While Xhekaj’s impact has been notable, it’s essential to recognize his limitations. While his physical presence is valuable, he won’t produce high offensive numbers, nor is he a defensive stalwart.

Improvements in positioning and discipline are areas where Xhekaj has shown progress, particularly since his time with the Laval Rocket. Striking the right balance between aggression and responsibility will determine his long-term effectiveness with the team.

Feel free to tune in and listen to the excerpt HERE.