Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj: The Sheriff

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Yeah, I can agree with this. Its typical Habs hype, happens all the time.
I don’t understand how each year some are getting caught with those scrimages and they overate a player. I mean it’s the same thing each year, those games are fun because you can see new faces and they are the 1st games of the year, but don’t evaluate a player on those games
 
I don’t understand how each year some are getting caught with those scrimages and they overate a player. I mean it’s the same thing each year, those games are fun because you can see new faces and they are the 1st games of the year, but don’t evaluate a player on those games

The Robinson takes are outlandish but some of us have been following Xhekaj for a while, he had a great OHL season and a key component for Hamilton going so far in the playoffs.

The key question remains if he can maintain his physical edge playing against men, I would prefer he plays in the AHL next year so he can keep developing his hockey skills rather then goon it up as 7th D with the main team.
 
shiriff.jpg
sherif.jpg

Before I read anything, I have these two images in my head, lol.
 
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The Robinson takes are outlandish but some of us have been following Xhekaj for a while, he had a great OHL season and a key component for Hamilton going so far in the playoffs.

The key question remains if he can maintain his physical edge playing against men, I would prefer he plays in the AHL next year so he can keep developing his hockey skills rather then goon it up as 7th D with the main team.
He had good a seasons last year but he really need work on his gab control and defensive positioning. He need to work on his offence and puck control but I’m less concern with that since they won’t be a big part of his games like his defensive game will be
 
I don’t understand how each year some are getting caught with those scrimages and they overate a player. I mean it’s the same thing each year, those games are fun because you can see new faces and they are the 1st games of the year, but don’t evaluate a player on those games
To be fair..I don't remember as many hopefuls standing out during these scrimmages, it doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things but it bodes well for upcoming preseason games.
 
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The Robinson takes are outlandish but some of us have been following Xhekaj for a while, he had a great OHL season and a key component for Hamilton going so far in the playoffs.

The key question remains if he can maintain his physical edge playing against men, I would prefer he plays in the AHL next year so he can keep developing his hockey skills rather then goon it up as 7th D with the main team.
It's always a matter of developpment. The two options are interresting, tho.
1. Habs won't make the PO so Jack-eye can developp with the big team, playing 5th or 6th D. Not just being a goon.
2. He can have plenty ice time with the Rockets. J-F Houle is a good coach, he's not like Lefebvre.

So one option or another is good. I trust the management to decide.
 
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Why ? We will see in 5 yrs who was right but for know any of Wright/Slaf/Cooley have played a single game in the NHL

I think there's a difference between a preference and mindlessly bashing the guy we did take cause he wasn't the guy they wanted.

Continuing to have a take that Wright or Cooley will be better is acceptable. Continuing to pretend that the Habs reached on a grinder that no one had #1, is asinine.
 
I think there's a difference between a preference and mindlessly bashing the guy we did take cause he wasn't the guy they wanted.

Continuing to have a take that Wright or Cooley will be better is acceptable. Continuing to pretend that the Habs reached on a grinder that no one had #1, is asinine.
Well yeah it is... but I got news for you.
 
I think there's a difference between a preference and mindlessly bashing the guy we did take cause he wasn't the guy they wanted.

Continuing to have a take that Wright or Cooley will be better is acceptable. Continuing to pretend that the Habs reached on a grinder that no one had #1, is asinine.
Agree on that
 
My day dreams consist of Ekblad getting injured again, Florida missing the playoffs. Then Florida win a lottery pick and the draft rank moves up 10 spots and we draft Cam Allen with the pick, This would solidify our RD for a loooooong time.
 
Just out of curiosity it would be sick to see what the redraft would look like (in the GMs eyes) and what round X would have landed in looking at the progress of those guys today. Looking back it, there are a select few that hes passed from the 1st (as in I wouldnt want to trade 1 for 1). Maybe a handful in the 2nd, and so on and so on. I think he would land around the 3rd. Would just be cool to see though
 
Looking back to 2020 and 2021 and the effects of covid, we really shouldn't be surprised by an increase in "sleepers" emerging from those two drafts.

What is so exciting about xhekaj is his development curve. If he continues his meteoric rise, he could truly be a diamond in the rough. His confidence appears off the charts. I am really hopeful for this kid.
 
Not really, at the same age Chiarot already had a pro season under the belt
Eternal pessimist, Chiarot to this day doesn't have a wrist shot that good. Still has a lot to work on in terms of positioning, but there's a lot to like and it's nothing new. Most people around here have been saying it since 6 months+
 
I don’t understand how each year some are getting caught with those scrimages and they overate a player. I mean it’s the same thing each year, those games are fun because you can see new faces and they are the 1st games of the year, but don’t evaluate a player on those games
I kinda agree with you that we should temper our expectations. However, as a predominantly mean and physical player, you would not typically expect Xhekaj to stand out during scrimmages. Yet, he stood out. With his hockey sense, ability to join and lead the rush, poise with the puck.

Wait until he demolishes opposing players with his physical play during preseason games. The hype is well deserved, the kid is on a ridiculous progression curve. He also oozes confidence, yet he doesn’t have a pedigree to sit and rely on to carve out a career. That is a massive plus and bodes well for his future IMO.
 
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