[Montreal Canadiens] The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a two-year contract (2024-25 to 2025-26) with defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

15 comments

  1. Official Release:

    [Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced](https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/two-year-contract-for-arber-xhekaj) on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year, $2.6 million contract (2024-25 to 2025-26) with defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The deal will pay him an average annual salary of $1.3 million.

    Xhekaj played 44 games with Montreal last season, recording 10 points (3G, 7A) and ranking second on the team with a plus-6 differential. The 6-foot-4, 240 lb rearguard led the Canadiens with 81 penalty minutes and topped all team defensemen with 125 hits.

    The 23-year-old blue-liner also skated in 17 games with the Laval Rocket in 2023-24, contributing three goals and eight assists.

    Xhekaj originally joined the Canadiens organization when he signed a three-year, entry-level contract on Oct. 4, 2021.

  2. If I understand correctly, he’ll still be an RFA after this contract. Super happy he gets paid, wishing him an injury free 2 years!

  3. This is a solid contract. That stint in the ahl really helped his game I look forward to seeing more progress

  4. This is actually a little less than I thought he’d get. This is definitely his “prove it” deal.

  6. Great signing for both parties. Xhekaj is betting on himself. If he proves he’s essential to the team, he’s setting himself up for a nice long term contract after this.

  11. Hope that means trade talks go away not that he’s untouchable business wise but I think there’s certain types of players you need to win he’s just gonna be one of those on a contender one day whether it’s from the 4th 5th or 6th d spot. Hell maybe even the wing.

  14. Nice. Its a bridge deal if you could say that. I’m happy he signed for 2 years/$2.6M.

    I hope Guhle is next and I feel his contract’s gonna be big.

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