Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj: The Sheriff

[Rapala]

But Odelein could never shoot a puck 100+ mph.

With his on ice presence, physicality, shot, underrated skill set and leadership qualities, Xhekaj could emerge as a core player for the Canadiens this year. If his potential is fulfilled and if he stays healthy, Xhekaj can provide a positive impact for the team that exceeds what Odelein ever did.


They are not the same species.

Exactly I felt a number of our members have already decided what he is despite his age and his continual progression.
Like just about every other prospect we have who are still in ascension.
You would think they would learn given Suzuki's trajectory as a forward when it's universally acknowledged that Dmen will take longer to develop.
Arber has always had a much higher ceiling than Lyle Odeleine.

 

[Tyson]

Exactly I felt a number of our members have already decided what he is despite his age and his continual progression.
Like just about every other prospect we have who are still in ascension.
You would think they would learn given Suzuki's trajectory as a forward when it's universally acknowledged that Dmen will take longer to develop.
Arber has always had a much higher ceiling than Lyle Odeleine.

In his own right though Lyle Odelein had an amazing career. 7th round picks rarely are this good at the NHL level. I believe his brother was a 1st round pick who didn't make it.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

They recently asked him to mentor younger players so that tells me they see Arber as a future leader of this team.

I think that it is readily apparent that Xhekaj is already an important leader on the team. So much so that he is probably one of the growing few who is an untouchable in the eyes of Hughes and Co.

 

[LaP]

In his own right though Lyle Odelein had an amazing career. 7th round picks rarely are this good at the NHL level. I believe his brother was a 1st round pick who didn't make it.

You kind of need to have seen Odelein plays to understand. Statistically he was nothing special. But man he was a special player. Loved him a lot.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

He’s a lot more Souray than Odelein.

Similar build, similar playing styles, Xhekaj is a better skater, both guys can fire the puck like it was shot out of a cannon, both play a mean/physical game and intimidate the opposing team, both guys injured early and often (shoulders, wrists and hands for Souray, shoulders for Xhekaj), both became leaders for the club, both guys with a good sense of humour and self deprecation.

We simply need Xhekaj to develop Souray’s ability to know and understand when it’s time to unleash the pain on the opposing team, and to start using his booming shot more frequently. He’s always been an unpolished gem, just needs to take that next step to reach his enormous potential.