Arber Xhekaj has thrown away the gloves nine times in 51 games this season. Enough to earn an enviable reputation and enough, he believes, to be able to be more selective in the future.
“I don’t think I’m going to change. Obviously, I’m still going to play tough. On the other hand, I will probably think a little more, choose my moments, ”said the defender, made available to members of the media while his teammates took part in their penultimate full training of the season.
Xhekaj began this process of reflection in the weeks following his fight against Vincent Desharnais of the Edmonton Oliers. At the end of it, the Ontarian suffered a right shoulder injury. Three weeks later, he went under the knife and withdrew for the rest of the campaign.
“It was a stupid accident, as we have seen often this season,” he said.
“[La réflexion] came by myself, but I also discussed it with my parents, he admitted. From now on, I want to think long term.”
Thinking long term in the sense of being able to enjoy a long career. Because beyond proving that he could rise to the challenge against any opponent, he also proved that he could hold his own in the NHL.
“I have made great strides this season. I proved that I belong in this league. I’m going to keep pushing and showing everyone that I deserve to be here. I think before I got hurt I was playing my best hockey.”
Guhle in the mouth of the wolf
Kaiden Guhle is another who has proven that he belongs in this league. And faster than he himself had imagined. Due to the many injuries to the Canadian’s blue line at the start of the season, several responsibilities fell to him.
“It was beneficial for my development to be thrown into the heat of the moment from the start. When you’re put in this kind of situation, you don’t have time to think. You play without really realizing what is happening,” he pointed out.
When he fell in action on March 16, he was the fourth most used player by Martin St-Louis (20 mins 31s). Among NHL rookies, Owen Power of the Sabers and Jake Sanderson of the Senators were the only busiest so far.
Victim of a sprained left ankle, Guhle did not want to establish a timetable for his recovery. However, we understand that he will be able to start training camp at the same time as everyone else.
Until then, the challenge will be not to lose too much of what you have learned. That’s why he will spend a large part of the summer in Montreal after returning to his home in Edmonton for a few weeks.
“I want to spend as much time as possible with our staff, so they can follow me and tell me what’s best for me.”