If we trade this beast because of f***ing MSL, im more than done with this stupid ass team.
Xhekaj is a defenseman with promise, tantalizing physicality, a strong shot, a good ability to break the cycle with his strength/size along the boards, and great toughness.
He's also decently fast for a guy his size when skating in stride, and more offensively-inclined than a lot of bottom-pair enforcer defensemen.
That much is true, and he's still got a lot of time to improve given how few NHL and pro games he's played overall. Moreso considering how long it usually takes for non-elite defensemen to really get their groove and making headway in the NHL.
But we also have to acknowledge that at this point in time Xhekaj lacks the defensive instincts to play a shutdown role in the NHL, that he routinely gets turnstiled by faster forwards along the boards, and that there are some injury concerns on his part given how he's come down with shoulder issues in back-to-back seasons.
Then you add-in Xhekaj often taking undisciplined penalties, not being the greatest handler of the puck nor the most gifted passer, also not having good hockey IQ in the offensive zone, and things become clearer.
Right now, Xhekaj is a bottom-pairing defenseman in the NHL that adds some extra toughness and will fight anyone. He's far from a finished product, but going only by what he shows today, Xhekaj would basically be a more talented and tougher Matt Carkner.
I say all of that but I like Xhekaj. He made miserable seasons more watchable with his toughness. But with all due respect you overrate him quite a bit.
If we end up trading Xhekaj it won't be the end of the word, far from it.
Maybe Xhekaj's future is on LW 4th line ????. he is a good skater enough, got a great slapper, can block the goalie’s view, can hit… and can fight when needed. Let's give it a try MSL !
The winger position requires a lot of "stop-and-goes" skating-wise, and Arber's subpar acceleration would hurt him if he made the switch in my opinion.
I really think that if we ever see a "Xhekaj" on our fourth line, that it will be Arber's little brother, Florian, instead of a switched-up Arber.
Which leads me to talk about Florian Xhekaj, whom I've watched all of last season in the OHL as well as this year with Laval and he's been great.
He's MUCH faster than his brother, has grown a LOT heavier over the last 18 months or so, is deceptively skilled with the puck for a grinder, makes plays quickly, and also shares his brother's love for physical and tough play.
To be frank, I'm higher on Florian than I've ever been on Arber.
