“We know that Arber is good offensively. But to play in this position, you have to be able to defend. »
By speaking this way one week before the start of the season, Martin St-Louis was quite clear about his expectations of Arber Xhekaj. Some two months later, it is clear that the defender has not managed to progress as his coach would have wanted.
Tuesday morning, he trained with the Laval Rocket, the day after the first demotion of his career.
In principle, transferring a 22-year-old player to the minor leagues is not an event. But for Xhekaj, it’s a hard blow. The big guy made the jump directly from the junior ranks to the NHL last season, and had no trouble keeping his place in camp this season.
He really wasn’t having a great time on Tuesday in the Rocket locker room. He assures that he never took anything for granted in Montreal. However, the management’s decision, which was only communicated to him on Monday, took him by surprise.
The objective of this internship in Laval is clear: “They want me to build my defensive game. »
This mandate has nothing to scare Jean-François Houle, head coach of the Rocket. Offensive defenders regularly experience problems when they arrive in the professional ranks, he noted. Their most common shortcomings? Their play in their territory, the use of their stick, their positioning… So many elements that are lacking in Xhekaj.
His case is not unique, Houle insisted. Logan Mailloux, William Trudeau and Mattias Norlinder are in the same boat. Justin Barron has been there.
“In recent years, the only defender who arrived [à Laval] with a defensive side, it’s Jayden Struble. We see it in the way he uses his stick, in his physical play. But he wasn’t an offensive guy in college. »
Even if Martin St-Louis affirmed that the emergence of Struble is “not connected” to the fate of Xhekaj, it is difficult to completely dissociate them. After Xhekaj suffered an “upper body” injury in mid-November, Struble, in his first professional season, looked very good with the Canadian, in a role similar to that of number 72.
With the upcoming return of David Savard to the lineup, we can expect Norlinder to return to Laval and Struble to remain in Montreal. Jean-François Houle also assures that he has not been informed of any “deadline” for getting Xhekaj back on the right path.
PHOTO AARON DOSTER, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES, PROVIDED BY REUTERS CON
Eric Robinson (50) and Jayden Struble (47)
“We will work so that he can return to the NHL,” he said simply.
At Habs training in Brossard, Martin St-Louis did not seem very keen on the idea of discussing the situation. “It’s part of his journey,” he succinctly said of Xhekaj.
Regression
We may be more or less surprised by Xhekaj’s dismissal, but it is clear that his performances this season were in decline, and not just in defense.
In 17 games, he was limited to one goal and two assists. He lost his place on the second wave of the power play. His ice time decreased compared to last year, despite the departure of veteran Joel Edmundson for Washington.
A rare constant in his game has been his indiscipline. At the time of his injury, he led the NHL in minor penalties (11).
Seeing the total absence of astonishment on the part of Jean-François Houle at the mention of this last aspect, we will understand that it was included in the corrective measures expected by the management of the CH.
“We deal with that [chez le Rocket], noted the pilot. We have to be more disciplined, especially 200 feet from our net. » Recently, forward Xavier Simoneau was left out after receiving a bad penalty. If Arber Xhekaj is guilty of a similar offense, “we will treat him like everyone else”.
The Ontarian could quickly be “tested” in the American League. Starting Wednesday, with the visit of the Belleville Senators, it would not be surprising if Quebec tough guy Boko Imama challenges the fierce brawler.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Arber Xhekaj in a fight against Tanner Jeannot
“I don’t think the Canadian wants him to come out of his injury to come and fight here against goons,” said veteran defender Tobie Paquette-Bisson. He may have a target on his back for a few days, but he should be able to defend himself. »
“He’s going to be decent, that’s for sure,” added smiling defender Logan Mailloux, who moved closer to Xhekaj last summer.
The main person concerned, for his part, maintained that he “did not want to change” his way of playing. However, even if he is aware that “guys will want to make a name for themselves”, “ [se] fighting against anyone is wrong [le] bring back up.”
To meet the defensive challenge thrown at him, he will need to spend as much time as possible on the ice, not in the penalty box.
“In Montreal, I didn’t play a lot of minutes, so it was hard for me to showcase myself,” he said. Here, if I get more minutes, maybe I can show more of what I’m capable of. »