ALL HABS | NHL TEAM | MONTREAL CANADIENS

Georges Laraque makes a significant statement: It's really not a good sign for Arber Xhekaj

Even if the Canadiens' organization is trying hard to deny it, it's clear that the arrival of Jayden Struble has changed plans for Arber Xhekaj.

Would the sheriff be in Laval today if Struble hadn't been as good since his call-up? I highly doubt it, but the play of number 47 has been so solid that the Canadiens had the luxury of sending Xhekaj to the AHL.

"Struble played nine games with the Rocket. No one saw that this guy would be that solid in the NHL. He took it up another notch, so he's never going down again! He's solid every shift."

- Georges Laraque

Looking at the current defensive lineup of the Canadiens, one really wonders where Xhekaj fits. There's not much room for him with Struble's brilliance and Hutson's arrival at the end of the season.

Moreover, there's Jordan Harris waiting his turn among the left-handed defensemen. The organization will have a truly important decision to make in his case.

I love Xhekaj, and I want to see him in the Canadiens' uniform sooner rather than later, but we have to be honest, he will have to step up because the internal competition will be fierce.

Previously on All Habs

Major: Trevor Zegras makes a Montreal native woman's Christmas spectacular!

Arber Xhekaj makes a significant statement about Jayden Struble, the player who took his place with the Canadiens

Juraj Slafkovsky traded for a 4th overall pick? That's the proposal, and it's not unanimous

POLL
25 DECEMBRE \| 359 ANSWERS Georges Laraque makes a significant statement: It's really not a good sign for Arber Xhekaj Do you believe there is still a place for Xhekaj in the Canadiens' long-term lineup?
Yes	305	85 %
No	54	15 %
LIST OF POLLS