Martin St. Louis just sent a message that changes everything for Arber Xhekaj
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Martin St-Louis did not beat around the bush with Arber Xhekaj.
In a quote that is circulating widely, the head coach said that Xhekaj has been playing very well lately and that he has found consistency.
He also emphasized one simple point: regardless of the night, the Canadiens must know exactly what they are going to get from him.
St-Louis explained it with a perfect example for a depth defenseman. If it's 10 minutes, you play your best 10 minutes. If it's 8, you play the same 8. If it's 13 or 14, it's the same thing.
Martin St. Louis Emphasizes Consistency and Trust in Arber Xhekaj's Role
Martin St. Louis on Arber Xhekaj
"He's played extremely well as of late. He's found a lot of consistency, he's played to his identity[...] If it's 10 minutes, play the best 10 minutes you can. If it's 8, the same. It might be 13-14. It's got to be the same. We got to know what we're getting, and we have that right now, which solidifies our defence"
"He's played extremely well as of late. He's found a lot of consistency, he's played to his identity[...] If it's 10 minutes, play the best 10 minutes you can. If it's 8, the same. It might be 13-14. It's got to be the same. We got to know what we're getting, and we have that right now, which solidifies our defence"
Last season (2024-2025), Xhekaj played 70 games, recording 1 goal and 5 assists (6 points) with a -13 rating. These are clear, easy-to-follow numbers, and they provide context when St-Louis talks about «consistency» and role.
This 2025-2026 season, he has totaled 2 points, and his average ice time is lower than in his first two full seasons. The debate about his usage has already started up again, but the coach's message remains the same: no matter his place in the lineup, he wants the same version, night after night.
What is certain is that the Canadiens seem to want a predictable Xhekaj in his habits and in his presence. And when your coach publicly says that he "knows what he's getting," it sounds like a vote of confidence.
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JANVIER 10 | 630 ANSWERS Martin St. Louis just sent a message that changes everything for Arber Xhekaj Does Arber Xhekaj deserve more ice time? | ||
| Yes | 551 | 87.5 % |
| No | 79 | 12.5 % |
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