Pierre LeBrun’s latest update points to a resolution coming soon for Arber Xhekaj, and the expectation around the Montreal Canadiens defenseman is starting to shift from uncertainty to arrival at camp.
The Athletic reporter said the two sides are moving toward a deal, though nothing has been completed yet. As LeBrun put it: "Talks are progressing and things are getting closer on a new deal between the Canadiens and RFA D Arber Xhekaj. Not done yet, but the expectation is that he'll be at camp and signed."
That would bring an end to a summer filled with questions around Xhekaj’s status. His agent, Brian Bartlett, had stayed quiet until now, and Xhekaj was left as the Canadiens’ lone restricted free agent without a contract after the earlier signing of Zachary Bolduc.
The main sticking point wasn’t just money. Xhekaj’s ice time was the real issue, with his role and usage looming larger than the financial side of the negotiation.
The numbers tell the story. He was out of the lineup 23 times across the team’s 101 games. And in his 78 appearances, including the playoffs, he logged fewer than 10 minutes in 30 of them.
Even without a contract, Xhekaj kept training in Brossard all summer, a move that came with some risk attached. He also chose not to file for salary arbitration in July, which drew plenty of attention in August.
If the deal gets across the finish line, Xhekaj should be in camp and under contract when activities begin. From there, the fight for a regular spot looks like it will be intense, with Jayden Struble, Adam Engström and David Reinbacher all in the same mix.
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