Arber Xhekaj didn’t try to dress it up on Thursday. After signing his one-year deal with the Canadiens, the defenseman made it clear he would have preferred something longer.
When asked how satisfied he was, Xhekaj answered with a frankness that caught people off guard.
“Am I happy? Well obviously I'd like to stay for longer term but this kinda gives me a chance to work for the next deal.
I'd love to sign long-term here or longer (than 1 year). I think I can make that happen.”
That wasn’t the only time he was pressed on how he felt about the situation. Reporters followed up and asked him directly whether he still enjoyed being in Montreal as much as ever. Xhekaj’s reply was short, but telling:
“What's not to like?”
Even so, the overall tone was noticeable. Xhekaj didn’t come across with the same energy he usually brings, and several observers pointed that out without making too much of it.
The timing explains a lot. He signed his one-year contract on Wednesday after a negotiation that stretched through the summer.
Nicolas Cloutier had already noted earlier this week that Xhekaj’s camp had waited, hoping a trade would help clear out Montreal’s crowded blue line. That move never happened.
So the two sides landed on a one-year arrangement and will revisit things next summer.
Xhekaj also acknowledged during his press conference that the Canadiens had been working on trades that never came together. For now, a strong season could still give him more leverage when he reaches the market again.
Go Arber!
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