MAJOR: The Shocking Reason Arber Xhekaj Was Sent Down Emerges

Today Arber Xhekaj was sent down to the AHL in a puzzling move. Now we have an explanation as to why the move ended up being made.

According to one source a confrontation between Arber Xhekaj and head coach Martin St. Louis is partially to blame. The source says that Xhekaj was playing too aggressively and got ripped into by St. Louis. Since this time Xhekaj's play has taken a significant step back.

This move has called the future of Arber Xhekaj into question. The 22-year-old will have a lot to prove heading down to the AHL.

With this demotion, it will mark the first time that Xhekaj will spend in the AHL. Many fans and media have wanted Xhekaj to get some AHL experience at some point. With the main concern from the Montreal staff being Xhekaj's aggressiveness where does that leave his future with the team?

Xhekaj is an aggressive, physically involved player on the ice. This is what the entire foundation of his game relies on. His offensive tools are at a minimum at the NHL level. With this demotion, Xhekaj could have an opportunity to develop that side of the game. If he doesn't though he largely remains a player who relies on aggressiveness and physicality.

With other defensemen making their way up through the pipeline it could be difficult for Arber Xhekaj to find his way back up. If he struggles to find his game at the AHL level again a change of scenery could be in order. Plenty of teams would be willing to pay for a young physical presence on the blue line.

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES