Despite expected battle with Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble is happy in Montreal

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Crédit: COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 27: Jayden Struble #47 of the Montreal Canadiens in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on November 27, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

The Canadiens’ practice camp gets underway in a few weeks’ time, and there will be battles for the last available roster spots.

This is the case for Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj, who will be fighting for the 6th defenseman spot. The presence of Noah Dobson creates this situation for both players. Both have good arguments to convince Martin St-Louis.

Struble was well aware of this struggle when he signed his new contract this summer. Even so, he couldn’t see himself anywhere else, he told reporters in Brossard.

“I’m really happy. I wanted to stay here so badly. I love the city and the team. We’re heading in the right direction” -Jayden Struble

[content-ads] It has to be said that he couldn’t really leave as a restricted free agent unless there was a hostile offer sheet from a rival

Struble knows that Xhekaj will be a tough competitor for his job. He is concentrating on what he can control and assures us that he will arrive at camp in the best possible shape.

If Struble has an advantage over Xhekaj, it’s in discipline. In an 82-game season, his coach will prefer consistency at this level and Xhekaj has yet to demonstrate it. Struble is capable of being robust too. He’s also very good on the power play.

If he wants to earn his place, he’ll have to bring more offensively. He doesn’t have a bad skating stroke, he just needs to finish more shots on net.

After his 13 points last season, he’s capable of taking it to another level. If he can reach 20-25 points, he could force his coach’s hand. Time will tell.

[spacer title=’Overtime’] – It’s time for the season to start.

– New podcast.

– He’s had a great season.