Among the hundreds of active NHL players, can we see a career path as improbable as that of Arber Xhekaj, the Montreal Canadiens' rugged defenseman? Probably not, considering the pitfalls encountered along the way!
Kitchener Rangers
Xhekaj was overlooked in the Ontario Junior Hockey League draft, so the Kitchener Rangers decided to give him a chance when he was 17, for the 2017-2018 season. He played a total of 128 games with them, amassing 37 points, in addition to building his identity as a rugged player.
A surprise invitation from the Habs
In 2021, after two years of being overlooked at the NHL draft, the Canadiens invited young Xhekaj to their rookie and main camp. Against all odds, he was offered an NHL entry-level contract, joining his childhood team.
A trade
The Hamilton Bulldogs sought Xhekaj's services, via a trade, in order to make their way into the playoffs. The result? They won the championship that year, thanks in part to Xhekaj's colossal play.
The birth of the Sheriff
His nickname "The Sheriff" dates back to junior, when Xhekaj was a terror to his opponents. Thanks to his physical game, generous frame and fighting prowess, he became, in the eyes of many, the most monstrous player in the entire Canadian Hockey League.
The 72 sets the tone
In his second camp with the Tricolore, we saw what Arber Xhekaj was capable of, as he roughed up Mark Kastelic, a former Ottawa Senators matamore, in a preseason game.
From Costco to the Montreal Canadiens
During the OHL's pandemic break in 2020-2021, Xhekaj was employed at a Hamilton Costco to earn money. In the fall of 2022, he played his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, after forcing the hand of management during training camp.
Zack Kassian met Xhekaj
Considering the hype surrounding Xhekaj, a number of strongmen took a swipe at him, including veteran Zack Kassian. He quickly regretted it, as you can see here... Kassian was never the same after that.
A first goal that speaks volumes
On October 22, 2022, Xhekaj scored his first NHL goal at the Bell Centre against the Dallas Stars. With his rocky career path, this first NHL goal was proof that anything is possible in life, if you work hard and believe in yourself.
The crowd puller
From his first official skate with the Sainte-Flanelle, the Montreal crowd rallied behind Xhekaj, making him the most popular local fan.
The Three Musketeers
If Arber Xhekaj is around, Kaiden Guhle and Juraj Slafkovsky are never far away either, these three being very good friends in life. The fact that they started their respective careers at the same time surely helped them to bond quickly.
A star in the designer's notebook
It soon became apparent that the 72 had quite developed taste in fashion for a kid of his age. He often sports his famous Peaky Blinders-style hat or cap to accompany his high-end suits.
The beginning
With his barbaric style, the risk of injury is quite high. following an intense fight with Quebec's Vincent Desharnais, Xhekaj had to go under the knife to repair his damaged right shoulder.
The charisma
In addition to being an intriguing hockey player, Xhekaj, now 23, is a person who preaches a great deal of respect, especially with the media. He's generous with his time with journalists and fans alike, and his charisma stands out from the crowd.
Hands off my teammates!
When Martin St-Louis decides to send Xhekaj into the fray, he knows what to expect. Xhekaj is an eternal protector of his teammates, making the Habs more difficult to face, as we saw when Patrik Laine was injured in a preparatory game, after a knee blow from Cédric Paré. At your own risk...