Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj: The Sheriff

[Runner77]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

 

[Tyson]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

Arber is still learning the pro game. Had Michael Matheson been healthy to start last season you have to think that Xhekaj doesn't make the team out of camp. I am a huge Xhekaj advocate, the fact is he is not a finished product and has alot of developing to do.
It will come I am convinced.

 

[MasterD]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

He's 1.5 seasons into his undrafted career. We were all wowed last season because he was unexpected and brought something completely different from the other players, but we could see the breaches in his defensive game as the season went on, and he got hurt by fighting too much.

Give it time, let him learn, he'll be good. We all just need to breathe. He's not single handedly bringing us to the playoffs, much less a cup any time soon.

 

[schwang26]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

Just my opinion, but for young players like him, they know what he CAN do. It’s combining that with the things he needs to work on that’s the issue. In junior, he could run around and scare the crap out of kids and probably defend fairly well. In the nhl, the pros know how to get around guys like that, so he can’t just fly around trying to hit guys and take himself out of the play. Players are just too talented and too fast. He’ll get there though. Once he’s combined his skills, he’ll be good.

 

[morhilane]

Arber is still learning the pro game. Had Michael Matheson been healthy to start last season you have to think that Xhekaj doesn't make the team out of camp. I am a huge Xhekaj advocate, the fact is he is not a finished product and has alot of developing to do.
It will come I am convinced.

Last year D line-up was supposed to be
Matheson/Savard
Eddy/Wideman
rookie/Kovacevic (who was kinda a rookie too, but since he was claimed off waivers and older)

So not what happened...

 

[schwang26]

Last year D line-up was supposed to be
Matheson/Savard
Eddy/Wideman
rookie/Kovacevic (who was kinda a rookie too, but since he was claimed off waivers and older)

So not what happened...

I can’t even imagine Wideman playing over any of the young guys. I honestly think they paid him to stay away. Apparently it’s a back injury. Hmmmm.

 

[montreal]

I haven't seen his 2 games since he was called up but I see in the 1st game he had 16:25 and 2 pims, next game he plays 11:42 with 4 pims. I wonder if he sits next game unless the calls were cheap ones, or the talk that they sent him down to cut out the pims was incorrect cause if not that doesn't seem like someone that is getting the message with 36 pims in his last 11 games (AHL+NHL)

Granted I haven't seen that much of him in the NHL so I don't know what the issues really were other then I felt like they rushed him as his defense wasn't where it should be to put him in the NHL right out of juniors along with his mobility maybe needing a little improvement.

 

[Runner77]

I haven't seen his 2 games since he was called up but I see in the 1st game he had 16:25 and 2 pims, next game he plays 11:42 with 4 pims. I wonder if he sits next game unless the calls were cheap ones, or the talk that they sent him down to cut out the pims was incorrect cause if not that doesn't seem like someone that is getting the message with 36 pims in his last 11 games (AHL+NHL)

Granted I haven't seen that much of him in the NHL so I don't know what the issues really were other then I felt like they rushed him as his defense wasn't where it should be to put him in the NHL right out of juniors along with his mobility maybe needing a little improvement.

Hindsight being 20/20, he should have been sent to and stayed in the minors last year and failing that, he should have been sent down before his IR stint this season (his defensive game had deteriorated before he went on IR and was taking several bad penalties) and left in Laval where he was playing first pairing minutes and noticeably gaining confidence.

Calling him up before the AS break was a mistake as it appears he is not playing with the same assurance as he was in Laval. Xhekaj excusing himself publicly to the coaching staff only to be scratched the next game, was harsh.

I don’t know how playing him 13 mins or less at the NHL level is going to help him the rest of this season.

 

[Tyson]

Hindsight being 20/20, he should have been sent to and stayed in the minors last year and failing that, he should have been sent down before his IR stint this season (his defensive game had deteriorated before he went on IR and was taking several bad penalties) and left in Laval where he was playing first pairing minutes and noticeably gaining confidence.

Calling him up before the AS break was a mistake as it appears he is not playing with the same assurance as he was in Laval. Xhekaj excusing himself publicly to the coaching staff only to be scratched the next game, was harsh.

I don’t know how playing him 13 mins or less at the NHL level is going to help him the rest of this season.

I expect he will be back in Laval to help the Rocket get in the playoffs.

 

[Runner77]

I expect he will be back in Laval to help the Rocket get in the playoffs.

All for the better. He may not get much rope from MSL over the rest of this season, so he might as well get more time in a much more forgiving environment.

 

[Tyson]

All for the better. He may not get much rope from MSL over the rest of this season, so he might as well get more time in a much more forgiving environment.

I am his biggest supporter and I think he needs more AHL seasoning. He is too determined not to develop into a solid NHL Dman

 

[Runner77]

I am his biggest supporter and I think he needs more AHL seasoning. He is too determined not to develop into a solid NHL Dman

He is not taking anything for granted right now. He's not rocking the boat or negatively attracting attention to himself. I'm liking his demeanor despite trying circumstances and the uncertainty of his TOI and role.

 

[Retired]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

Haven’t been too many games where he hasn’t taken penalties so that’s a good start.

Would love to see him take out a few douchebags around the league but I feel it’s probably best he concentrate on playing solid hockey for now. His first few games back he was getting turned around and he kept flailing out his arms like they don’t allow in the nhl anymore.

I don’t think it’s a bad thing he updates his game a bit. He won’t be less tough. Pretty sure he’ll stick.

 

[japhi]

I liked his last game. I was watching him pretty close - his coverage was good, didn't over commit. I know we all want to see him smash people but that part of his game will always be there, not like you can take "the physical" out of a beast like this.

Also think the idea he asks for a trade is asinine. He is only in the NHL because MTL gave him a chance last year, the idea that he has rights on a regular spot is ridiculous. I doubt he feels that entitled and if he does, look at how well that is working out for KK - grass isn't always greener somewhere else.

 

[417]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

I can understand why he's annoyed, seems like the fans should be treated like a vested veteran…he’s a fan favourite and I get that but he's not an established player.

 

[The Real Timo]

I can understand why he's annoyed, seems like the fans should be treated like a vested veteran…he’s a fan favourite and I get that but he's not an established player.

What he should be annoyed about is him not being able to coach team to play any kind of defense.

 

[SwiftyHab]

Just heard MSL answering a question about Arber. Sounded to me that he is annoyed about having to broach the subject, using lots of cliches and generalities.

Meantime, Arber has been playing some 13 minutes a game and not hitting opponents like he was last year. Is Arber holding back or changing his style in order to not get on the coach’s bad side? And yet, under the same coach last year, he played differently.

Not sure what’s going on but for now, he is not the same player as last season and he is not using his physical attributes. There is obviously still time to the season. Good news is how he wasn’t benched nor taken bad penalties last game.

I’d hate to see him traded as there is no one quite like him on the team but wouldn’t be surprised if his agent asked for a trade at some point or if MSL himself became a catalyst in the GM’s ultimate decision on this — there’s plenty of interest for him from what insiders have been reporting.

Bears watching further.

Heard this from Laraque and Marinaro too. I’ve got a theory about this. Hear me out.

What if MSL has told Xhekaj that we know he can hit and be physical, now he wants him to go out there and learn to defend. No more hitting. Defend Every situation by good positioning, good reads, strong stickwork, and every other defensive tool except hitting. There will be another time to hit but now he wants him to go out and learn a different game. When he picks that up, he can mix that up with his aggressive hits and fighting again.

If he teaches it like this, he knows that this will be hard on Xhekaj and hurt his confidence but he has push through that to get to the next level.

if that’s what’s happening, then you see his answers in a new light where he’s trying to get the best of Xhekaj because he thinks that’ll work with him and is annoyed by the questions from reporters who he can’t disclose that Xhekaj won’t be going for the big hit or maybe even fighting for a while.

Two cents

 

[salbutera]

I don’t get all this Xhekaj angst to be honest. We have a player that was never drafted and hadn’t played a single game in the AHL…. that’s unthinkable, never seen that before

So why is Barron being dispatched to Laval to improve his D game not getting the same fret? There’s little doubt Xhekaj has been asked to focus on improving his D games & avoid reckless play

 

[Runner77]

Also think the idea he asks for a trade is asinine.

Should I be lifting your posts to see what may or may not be "asinine"?

You could have easily made your point without the snide remark. But then again, it wouldn't be the first time.

Sheesh, this place sometimes.

 

[RC51]

AX has proved 1 thing so far he let it be known that he defends his mates. will he win every fight? he will lose a few a very few but he will pick himself up a stand for his mates again and again. yes he still needs needs to learn a bit more defense but that will happen soon enough. If you think he is a beast now well wait until he hits his prime in 2-3 years,. In fact the habs have quite a few young dmen that will hit their prime in 2-3 years. Today they make rookie mistakes, tomorrow a few less, next year a few less again and in 2-3 years no more. Everybody will grow into their man bodies soon enough. Just look at the difference in Slafo in just one year and at just 20. lets see him at 25 fully loaded for bear.

 

[Runner77]

I can understand why he's annoyed, seems like the fans should be treated like a vested veteran…he’s a fan favourite and I get that but he's not an established player.

Neither are Harris, Kovacevic and whatever other young player who has been making mistakes. I'm not for the coach calling out anyone or getting defensive about anyone, especially players who are not vets -- don't see what good it does. MSL specifically chose to publicly call out Xhekaj before he was sent down to Laval, while he was not alone in taking bad penalties. Stuff like that can best be dealt with privately with the player, it seems to me.

 

[teamfirst]

I liked his last game. I was watching him pretty close - his coverage was good, didn't over commit. I know we all want to see him smash people but that part of his game will always be there, not like you can take "the physical" out of a beast like this.

Also think the idea he asks for a trade is asinine. He is only in the NHL because MTL gave him a chance last year, the idea that he has rights on a regular spot is ridiculous. I doubt he feels that entitled and if he does, look at how well that is working out for KK - grass isn't always greener somewhere else.

If he receive an offer like 6M over 2 years you really think he'll be thinking about KK or the fact that it was the Habs who gave him his first chance, dont think so

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

I don’t get all this Xhekaj angst to be honest. We have a player that was never drafted and hadn’t played a single game in the AHL…. that’s unthinkable, never seen that before

So why is Barron being dispatched to Laval to improve his D game not getting the same fret? There’s little doubt Xhekaj has been asked to focus on improving his D games & avoid reckless play

The overreacting in here is staggering

 

[Sorinth]

Heard this from Laraque and Marinaro too. I’ve got a theory about this. Hear me out.

What if MSL has told Xhekaj that we know he can hit and be physical, now he wants him to go out there and learn to defend. No more hitting. Defend Every situation by good positioning, good reads, strong stickwork, and every other defensive tool except hitting. There will be another time to hit but now he wants him to go out and learn a different game. When he picks that up, he can mix that up with his aggressive hits and fighting again.

If he teaches it like this, he knows that this will be hard on Xhekaj and hurt his confidence but he has push through that to get to the next level.

if that’s what’s happening, then you see his answers in a new light where he’s trying to get the best of Xhekaj because he thinks that’ll work with him and is annoyed by the questions from reporters who he can’t disclose that Xhekaj won’t be going for the big hit or maybe even fighting for a while.

Two cents

As a development strategy I'm fine with him being told don't go out looking for hits and instead work on the non-physical aspects of playing D, but if that's the case it should be happening at the AHL level not the NHL level.

At the end of the day how aggressive/physical a D has to play to be successful is a balancing act, so it's kind of normal that a player goes too far one way, then over corrects and goes too far the other, then swings back too far the other direction again, and just slowly finds that right mix that works for them.

 

[HabsAddict]

I'm an expert in right defense...because my skating is so bad, I had to plan a day ahead when to fall in a game....in beer league!

I have no problem with X doing no hitting. He will never lose that aspect of his game so the absolute necessity is learning to vlose the gaps, positioning and anticipation. Let him work on it, even if he doesn't lay a hit on anyone for the rest of the season.

Once he brings that to another level, then he won't worry about hitting and taking himself out of position.