All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Eric Engels breaks his silence on Martin St-Louis's decision to scratch Arber Xhekaj
Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
Arber Xhekaj's sudden scratch against the Mammoth surprised many Canadiens fans, and Eric Engels now offers a fresh perspective on Martin St-Louis's strategy.
The announcement was simple and direct:Adam Engstrom enters the lineup and Arber Xhekaj comes out.
For many, this news came as a surprise, especially after a convincing win Saturday night and a stability that seemed ready to settle in.
Eric Engels even mentioned it in his message, explaining that he was "a little surprised, but not completely."
"I'm a little surprised, but not totally.
Just didn't think any changes were coming to a winning lineup.
In any case, internal competition heating up, and the Canadiens will need to start regularly using reserves over this mad dash to the holidays."
- Eric Engels
Just didn't think any changes were coming to a winning lineup.
In any case, internal competition heating up, and the Canadiens will need to start regularly using reserves over this mad dash to the holidays."
- Eric Engels
A rotation involving Engstrom, Xhekaj, and the Canadiens' depth
In such a dense schedule before the holidays, Montreal will have to use its reserves much more often. It's in that context that Arber Xhekaj's removal makes more sense, even if it sparks debate among fans.
The defenseman had shown good things lately, but the team clearly wants to take a closer look at what Engstrom can offer. For many, this news confirms a small discomfort that was already being widely discussed.
When Engels says that the team will "use its reserves regularly," it may suggest that Xhekaj could be watching more games from the press box.
Many believe this is a clear message for him: show that you can give more, otherwise someone will take your spot. Since the Canadiens play a lot before the holidays, Martin St-Louis really has to keep everyone fresh. It's also the perfect opportunity to see what Engstrom can offer!
In my view, the hierarchy can change quickly when a young player pushes hard, and Engels even hints that more surprises could be coming.
I believe it simply shows that the team wants to move forward and leave nothing to chance.
TRENDING NOW
