I think Xhekaj is ripe for a longterm team friendly deal. He made strides near the end of the season but the injuries are definitely a concern given his style of play (and pugilistic tendancies). I think he would be looking for longterm stability given all the uncertainty to date and given his blue-collar nature. Something like a 6 x year 2.5AAV would be in the ball park. If i am Hughes i take the gamble.
Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj: The Sheriff
- Thread starter Adam Michaels
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Matthew McConaughay
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- May 3, 2013
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Last i heard,it went well, and he'll be there for training camp.
Sorinth
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- Jan 18, 2013
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I can't see Xhekaj signing long term unless it was close to 4m per year. Sub 3m on a 5 or 6 year deal is just fantasy.
Why is that fantasy? What has Xhekaj done to date? His underlying stats are poor. He is oft injured. He was in the AHL at one point.
If there is a time to get him longterm (and you feel he will continue to develop into a stable middle pairing dman), then now's the time. IN the back of Xhekaj's head, is his time in Laval. There is always a chance he returns to Laval with the plethora of D that are knocking on the door (Hutson / Struble and others etc.) that may pass him by. He may opt for a longterm deal to reserve his spot on the blueline. A longterm team friendly deal.
If i was his agent, i would advise him to consider it.
Sorinth
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Long term contracts to guys coming off their ELCs aren't about what they have done it's about their potential. And you are obviously well aware he has lots of potetnial because if you really thought he was an oft injured, fringe NHLer with poor underlying stats you wouldn't want him signed long term no matter the price.
I am playing devil's advocate. The circumstances are ripe for a longterm low-salary deal for Xhekaj. His biggest concern is finding a roster spot with so many LHD breathing down his neck.
1909
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Keep him!
He makes every players grow a few inches.
A skill that no one else has in this team.
Lets see how he improves his game too, I think alot of posters are being too quick.
You won't.get the type of return you want anyways and we have enough middle/bottom players if traded.
Trade makes no sense for now, let him be 6-7D, injury replacement and some AHL if needed.
He makes every players grow a few inches.
A skill that no one else has in this team.
Lets see how he improves his game too, I think alot of posters are being too quick.
You won't.get the type of return you want anyways and we have enough middle/bottom players if traded.
Trade makes no sense for now, let him be 6-7D, injury replacement and some AHL if needed.
Habs Halifax
Loyal Habs Fan
Agreed. He's a keeper and he's only going to mature with trust in his own end. If we trade him, it better bring in a top 6 dynamic forward with the same team control.
WeThreeKings
Demidov is a HAB
They're not trading Guhle, they're not trading Reinbacher, they're not trading Xhekaj and they're not trading Hutson.
Sorinth
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On a bridge deal I would agree with you, but on a long term deal you are paying for potential and he does have a ton of potential.
1909
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Really ? Two shoulders broken within two seasons. Risks of concussion because the nature of his « work » …. A bottom - paring d-man. A bridge deal is the way to go. Let’s see if he can get better (and healthier) first.
Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj not concerned about his shoulders
Defenceman, who can become a restricted free agent this summer, expects to come back stronger than ever after second surgery in two years.
montrealgazette.com
BLONG7
Registered User
Gotta keep this kid.Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj not concerned about his shoulders
Defenceman, who can become a restricted free agent this summer, expects to come back stronger than ever after second surgery in two years.
Injuries a concern, sure, but this kid is a keeper....bridge style deal or a long term for his security, with a very reasonable cap hit.
Trust HuGo on this one guys....
HabsWhiteKnightLOL
Registered User
2.5m max for maybe 3-4 years.
He's a third pair dman at best
Yeah he won't break the bank but his style and ability is needed on this team.
HabsWhiteKnightLOL
Registered User
100% agree , just that we shouldnt overpay for him , his physical aspect is great but his defensive abilities are sometimes lacking. I would rather have him than someone Like Harris tho
He has better underlying defensive stats than any other Hab D last season. Playing with other Ds, their stats also improved.
Defensive abilities somewhat lacking is only an impression you have -- why, nobody knows -- but to isn't really supported by any metrics.
I'd sign Xhekaj for 8 years at 3.5M. In the 2nd half of that contract, the salary will be a HUGE bargain, even for a 3rd pairing D if he's not a useless 3rd pairing D -- which he won't be.
If Hughes can get him signed to 3.125M -- for a tidy 25M payday -- even better!
Capitalize on the security aspect of Xhekaj's next contract. A bridge deal will cost more in the long run and Montreal is not a Cup-contending team looking to squeeze more talent onto the roster short term.
HabsWhiteKnightLOL
Registered User
8 years a bit long for me , let's not forget that we have 1 of the wors d-squad of the league.
I agree that JackEye can play as a 5-6 th dman there is no doubt but 8 years for that kind of gameplay idk even if the money isnt too harsh.
Id perhaps go for 4 years at 3.25m (max) . He's easier to trade if things change in he future
3.25M will be better on the latter part of an 8-year contract when Montreal looks to keep talent on the roster. Shorttermsavings mean nothing.
Xhekaj will be a playoff warrior. Montreal won't be contending until 2027-2028, when both Gallagher and Anderson are off the books.
Money saved on Xhekaj, along with those two Cap hits off the books will be important regarding the quality of the roster when we are actually contending.
Xhekaj would cost less than Chiarot did for us, as an example, and Xhekaj will have as much of an impact as Chiarot did, at the least.
agreed. Everyone just has to watch what Zadorov will command as a UFA and, acknowledge that keeping Arber is the way to go. He's as intimidating, a better fighter and can develop an even better offensive game than Zadorov imo
Beer and Chips
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Gaylord Q Tinkledink
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