Major: A solid defensive pair is forming for the Canadiens with the combination of Arber Xhekaj and Logan Mailloux

What if the Canadiens had a specific plan in sending Arber Xhekaj to Laval? What if this plan was to create a solid defensive pair that would have the role of terrorizing opposing teams in the NHL in a few years?

It's worth asking the question. Since being sent to Laval by the Canadiens, Arber Xhekaj is often paired with Logan Mailloux, and the two complement each other remarkably well.

Arber is producing at an impressive rate with 10 points in 13 games, and Mailloux has reached 20 in 32. The production of the right-hander kicked in when he was paired with Xhekaj, and the team's victories followed suit.


It's simple; they form the top pair in Laval and are showing the Canadiens that they have what it takes to be a duo in the big league as well.

We don't know if it was the team's initial plan or a fortunate coincidence, but one thing is certain: both are part of the club's future plans, and they will be difficult to separate.

Leaving Arber in Laval for the rest of the season wouldn't be such a bad thing. Personally, I see both moving up to the NHL next year at the same time and climbing the ranks together.

Who knows, maybe the organization will try the same strategy with two new young players next year in Laval, namely Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher.