For some time now, there have been rumors about the possibility of converting Arber Xhekaj into a forward. This is evident with the Rocket; he has a very good offensive sense and an accurate shot.
In contrast to Andrei Markov, who was drafted as a forward and converted into a defenseman with the Canadiens, Xhekaj could transition from defenseman to forward. He has already done so in junior hockey.
This solution would greatly benefit the Canadiens, who have a surplus of left-handed defensemen. However, Kent Hughes has different plans for him, and he has been quite clear.
"Regarding the possibility of the defenseman turning into a forward, Hughes quickly dismissed this option. 'It's not in our plans. If it were, he wouldn't be in Laval right now.'" - Kent Hughes, via a TVA Sports article
This is an interesting statement. Does it mean that Xhekaj would be with the Canadiens as a forward and would be preferred over others?
Regardless, we now know that the organization holds him in high regard as a defenseman. The sheriff is not going anywhere, and he will come back stronger when recalled.