Martin St-Louis Sends Clear Message to Arber Xhekaj on His Role With the Canadiens
Since his arrival with the Montreal Canadiens 4 years ago, Arber Xhekaj has become a player loved for his toughness.
But also very often criticized for his lack of discipline as well as his defensive-zone weaknesses.
A recent interview with Martin St-Louis, during the Canadiens' annual Golf Tournament, reminds us that his role is much more complex than it may seem from the outside and that he needs to learn how to balance his intensity at the right moments.
The debate around Arber Xhekaj isn't new..
His physical style divides opinions: some love him as a player, while others fear he may limit himself to too narrow a role, especially in a league that needs this type of player less than before.
Martin St-Louis decided to clarify things.
Martin St-Louis asks Xhekaj to balance toughness and hockey IQ
"Arber knows that I love him, although the perception can sometimes cloud things. Playing defense in the NHL is one of the most difficult positions, especially as a young player." explained St-Louis.
He then added that he didn't want to stifle his player's instinct:
"I know his main asset is his physicality & I don't want to remove that but it doesn't mean that every shift you'll have an opportunity to be physical. If you're only looking for that, you can take yourself out of the play, but the next shift, you might have three chances. You can't always look for it, you have to let it develop."
Finally, he concluded on his coaching method:
"It's easier to (coach) a player who's more aggressive than have to tell him to be more aggressive. But I have a great relationship with him"
I think this is a great approach.
To me, this is exactly what he needs to become an even more valuable defenseman in the long term.
With the constant support of his coach, he has every chance to become a key player, especially when it comes to playoff hockey.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 16 | 1450 ANSWERS Martin St-Louis Sends Clear Message to Arber Xhekaj on His Role With the Canadiens Do you believe Arber Xhekaj can become a long-term top-4 defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 973 | 67.1 % |
| No | 477 | 32.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
