Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj Facing Uncertain Roles as Canadiens' Defense Gets Crowded

However, things could get complicated for Xhekaj, but also for Jayden Struble.

There are a lot of talented young players with the Canadiens, notably defenseman Lane Hutson and forward Ivan Demidov.

In addition to young Hutson, the defense now features the excellent Noah Dobson on the blue line. He was acquired from the New York Islanders in exchange for Emil Heineman and two first-round picks in 2025.

Kaiden Guhle is a true general who does exceptional work, while David Reinbacher continues his development and is destined for a bright future in the NHL.

Veterans Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier play very important roles for the club. At 23 years old, Jayden Struble also shows some great qualities and has improved several aspects of his game. He's gaining confidence and can also be physically involved.

With Hutson, Dobson, Guhle, Matheson, Carrier, and Struble, Sheriff Arber Xhekaj is the 7th defenseman in the lineup according to Daily Faceoff predictions.

Everyone certainly agrees that Xhekaj and Struble can switch between 6th and 7th spots, but they will never surpass Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Kaiden Guhle, or the rest of the defensive corps.

I love Arber Xhekaj and I want to see him stay with the Tricolore. However, when analyzing what's coming up right behind, you realize the situation could truly become complicated.

Adam Engstrom, who played with the Laval Rocket in the AHL in 2024-25, is one to watch and has excellent vision on the ice. This young defenseman has the talent to play in the big league.

He seems to be flying under the radar right now, but left-handed Marc Del Gaizo could seriously shake things up. When he left Nashville, many people took the time to point out that he has a lot of talent. You'll need to keep a close eye on him at the next training camp, as he could surprise you.

Then, on the left side, there's also William Trudeau, who shouldn't be forgotten. At 22, he was very good with the Rocket last season. Prospect Owen Protz won't arrive in the big league this year, but he will enter the picture fairly quickly.

With Engstrom, Del Gaizo, and Trudeau all looking to surprise Canadiens management, Xhekaj and Struble cannot afford to have a bad training camp.

Many analysts, however, have raised the idea of moving Arber Xhekaj to forward, but it would be surprising if that happens. If it's to keep our sheriff in the lineup, why not!