Arber Xhekaj receives a significant boost from the New Jersey Devils
Kent Hughes will have a relatively quiet summer in terms of contract signings, as only Arber Xhekaj and Jesse Ylonen will be restricted free agents on July 1st.
While Xhekaj is assured of a spot in the NHL next year, or at least a contract, this isn't the case for Ylonen. In my opinion, the forward should be released by Kent Hughes.
Returning to Xhekaj, he just received very good news from New Jersey, as the Devils signed defenseman Kurtis MacDermid to a three-year, $3.45 million contract.
"Kurtis MacDermid, signed to a 3x$1.15M extension by NJ, is a physical depth defenceman with a lifelong passion for taking minor penalties and a general disinterest in drawing them. Devils played him sparingly and against the softest competition possible."
Xhekaj is a much better hockey player than MacDermid, and it's not even close. Both are physical players capable of fighting, but Arber is superior.
The fact that MacDermid signed for three years at over $1 million per year is valuable for the Canadiens' defenseman, providing leverage for his next contract.
Currently injured, Xhekaj should return to full health for the next training camp. He underwent shoulder surgery.
Whatever Kent Hughes' plans are, whether to keep or trade him, he will have to sign him first, unless he trades him beforehand.
In my opinion, Arber should sign a minimum three-year contract worth $1.5 million per year.
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 556 ANSWERS Arber Xhekaj receives a significant boost from the New Jersey Devils Do you think Arber Xhekaj will sign with the Canadiens or will he be traded? | ||
| He will sign | 484 | 87.1 % |
| He will be traded | 72 | 12.9 % |
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