Martin St-Louis has again left the door open to using Xhekaj at forward, giving the Canadiens another way to keep the physical defenseman involved when blue-line minutes become harder to find.
It isn't being presented as a permanent position change. Xhekaj remains a defenseman first, but St-Louis clearly likes the flexibility his skill set gives the coaching staff.
The Canadiens head coach explained exactly why he's comfortable experimenting with Xhekaj away from his natural position.
“Jacko knows how to play hockey.
He can be physical, he has a good shot and good hands.
That allows him to stay engaged even if he's not playing defense.
I'm not afraid to do that, but it's not something we're worried about either.
Jacko continues to improve as a defenseman; it's his natural position.”
- Martin St-Louis
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That last line matters. St-Louis isn't moving Xhekaj away from the blue line. He's creating another option when lineup decisions or game situations call for something different.
Xhekaj has enough offensive tools to make the idea more than a novelty. His shot, hands and physical style can give a fourth line a different look without asking him to completely reinvent his game.
Martin St-Louis keeps the door open for Arber Xhekaj
The Canadiens already tested the concept last March, when Xhekaj received a brief look on the wing. He played 5:11 and still found ways to make his presence felt in a limited role.
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Xhekaj brings a combination of size and mobility that Montreal doesn't have in abundance. Moving him forward also allows St-Louis to change the texture of his bottom six.
There's another layer to the decision. Kaiden Guhle's absence creates more competition and uncertainty around how Montreal will organize its defense during camp.
David Reinbacher, Adam Engström and Jayden Struble are also pushing for regular NHL work, making every roster decision on the blue line worth watching.
That competition could force St-Louis to get creative if he wants Xhekaj dressed without taking defensive minutes from another player earning a longer look.
For Xhekaj, versatility could become a direct path to staying in the lineup. And St-Louis has now made it clear he won't hesitate to use it.
BOBSONDAGE
Should Martin St-Louis use Arber Xhekaj at forward again ?
BOBCHOIX
Yes | No
BOBKEYWORDS
Arber Xhekaj | Martin St-Louis | Kaiden Guhle | David Reinbacher | Adam Engström | Jayden Struble
Do you think the Canadiens should keep Arber Xhekaj at forward?
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