Arber Xhekaj has given Martin St-Louis something to notice before training camp even opens: he showed up for work without a contract.
The unsigned Canadiens defenseman was back on the ice in Brossard this week, joining teammates for informal skates as preparations for the coming season pick up.
That choice carries some weight. Xhekaj could have stayed away while his contract situation remained unresolved, separating negotiations from his preparation.
Instead, he reported. Anthony Martineau noted that Xhekaj and fellow unsigned Canadiens player Zachary Bolduc were among 9 players skating that morning.
It's an intriguing move because Xhekaj isn't arriving at camp with his place automatically settled. Montreal's blue line has options, and every practice gives St-Louis another opportunity to establish his defensive hierarchy.
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Xhekaj's approach also removes one possible distraction. Rather than allowing the unsigned deal to dictate his preparation, he's putting himself in the same environment as teammates already getting ready for puck drop.
And for a player trying to protect his position on a competitive blue line, being visible matters.
Xhekaj sends Montreal a clear message
Showing up doesn't mean a deal with general manager Kent Hughes is imminent. The contract still has to be settled, and Xhekaj's presence on the ice doesn't guarantee anything at the negotiating table.
But it does show where his immediate focus is. He isn't giving away preparation time while discussions continue behind the scenes.
That matters when St-Louis starts making lineup decisions. Xhekaj brings a different physical dimension to Montreal's defense, but the Canadiens have reached a point where competition for minutes can't be ignored.
Every skate before camp gives him a chance to arrive ready rather than needing time to catch up. For someone whose role could depend heavily on deployment and matchups, that's meaningful.
There's also a message here for Hughes. Xhekaj can hold his ground in negotiations without removing himself from the group or allowing the contract issue to interfere with his work.
Nothing has been signed yet. But Xhekaj has already made one choice that stands out: while his future remains unsigned, he's acting like a player determined to make sure Montreal has no reason to question his readiness.
Will Arber Xhekaj's decision to report without a contract help his standing with the Canadiens?
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