Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj: The Sheriff

yianik

Registered User
Jun 30, 2009
11,130
6,685
Yes I agree, I loved him as a hab. In the same way I liked McPhee, Skrudland, Keane and others. There is more to a hockey game than appears on the scoreboard. If we want a good group with long-term success, we need guys that go to war for their brothers. Talent alone is not enough, see Toronto.


I agree with this. He isn't exactly the type of guy that rises to the occasion in a game of preseason shinny.
You need guys with natural grit and who fight through the pain. Toughness isn't just about banging and fighting. A non physical guy who grins and bares it through pain and contributes is also tough. The natural grit guys rub off on other players I'm sure. Though those guys you mention were all trench fighters.

Lol Odelein. He was tough in every way. When I think of him I have a picture of him with his uni messed up coming off a fight with that " psycho" grin of his. Honest that grin had an unhinged vibe to it.
 
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Tyson

Registered User
Mar 1, 2007
49,945
72,400
Texas
We need a top pugilist on the team. The advantages are unfathomable.
I agree. Here is a question- Nicholas Deslaurier was drafted as a D and made a career as a 4th line heavyweight...should this be considered for Xhekaj? He may not be one of the best top 6 D longterm...
 

BenchBrawl

Registered User
Jul 26, 2010
31,059
13,989
I agree. Here is a question- Nicholas Deslaurier was drafted as a D and made a career as a 4th line heavyweight...should this be considered for Xhekaj? He may not be one of the best top 6 D longterm...

Xhekaj still has time to become more seasoned defensively.

He's 23 years old. Defensemen, especially non-prodigies and non-offensive ones, peak later. Late-20s early 30s. This is when we'll need him the most.

I would be very patient and cautious about departing with him from the team.
 

Tyson

Registered User
Mar 1, 2007
49,945
72,400
Texas
Xhekaj still has time to become more seasoned defensively.

He's 23 years old. Defensemen, especially non-prodigies and non-offensive ones, peak later. Late-20s early 30s. This is when we'll need him the most.

I would be very patient and cautious about departing with him from the team.
Yeah I tend to agree with you with this view. Like I said I am a huge fan of this kid!
 
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Vachon23

Registered User
Oct 14, 2015
19,200
23,487
Victoriaville
Its a preseason game
It was an irrelevant shove that got us a PP.

People are making a mountain of a mole hill here. That wasn't anything.

I’m not necessary talking about going to fight him, but just send a message and go after him after a whistle. That’s Xhekaj role and the reason he makes the teams before Struble or Harris.

I just find that he’s taking it easy during this camp like if he’s place was already won (and not just because of that, but his play in general)
 
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WeThreeKings

Demidov is a HAB
Sep 19, 2006
95,548
106,924
Halifax
I’m not necessary talking about going to fight him, but just send a message and go after him after a whistle. That’s Xhekaj role and the reason he makes the teams before Struble or Harris.

I just find that he’s taking it easy during this camp like if he’s place was already won (and not just because of that, but his play in general)

Telling Domi he's a f***ing idiot and keep costing his team playoff games with dumb penalties like that is all that is required
 

Deebs

Without you, everything falls apart
Feb 5, 2014
17,439
14,385
I am a huge fan of this player but he has to start showing more very soon. I think Struble is currently better defensively.
He has a two year window to get his game in order. He does have lots of work to do but here's hoping.
 

HuGo Sham

MR. CLEAN-up ©Runner77
Apr 7, 2010
28,620
20,952
Montreal
I’m not necessary talking about going to fight him, but just send a message and go after him after a whistle. That’s Xhekaj role and the reason he makes the teams before Struble or Harris.

I just find that he’s taking it easy during this camp like if he’s place was already won (and not just because of that, but his play in general)
this is a great article about him from Godin. He's being asked to refine his defensive game and not run around enforcing during exhibition games

 

Naslundforever

43-67-110
Aug 21, 2015
4,218
5,025
Should have run Domi. If he’s not an enforcer he’s like 5th LD in the chart. Meaningless game too no consequences.
 

Habby4Life

First pick overall goes to the Montreal Canadiens
Nov 12, 2008
4,473
4,252
Or we need Florian to be dressed as well.

I think we still have a reputation of a very soft team and that has shown in our injury history lately imo. We won't fix it until we become a bit scary. But that's the top 6 as well. We need a top 6 bully bad.
Love to add Sam Bennett.
 
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Habby4Life

First pick overall goes to the Montreal Canadiens
Nov 12, 2008
4,473
4,252
Why I wanted to get Leonard.

If Laine is injured, I hope Hughes reacts this time instead of letting this team flail.
I agree. They will have the cap space and have plenty of picks.

Just sitting pat is a fail to me.
 
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