Arber Xhekaj has dealt with several healthy scratches this season, and he has now spoken about his mindset as he strives for a position in the Montreal Canadiens lineup.
The Canadiens see potential in defenseman Arber Xhekaj, but despite the backing from Head Coach Martin St. Louis, he has had difficulty showcasing his skills beyond fighting in the NHL. Recently, however, he’s experienced fewer healthy scratches and has been a reliable presence on the team. He has shared the mindset change that has contributed to his steady performance.
“I’ve honestly just taken a step back & blended a little bit,” Xhekaj explained. “I just work on my game gradually. You don’t need to stand out or do anything extravagant. Keeping it simple and focusing on defense is key. I’m aiming to establish a solid foundation in my defensive play. Who knows how far I can go in this league?”
This reflects a significant shift for Xhekaj, who was often involved in fights early in the season. With a more balanced and grounded approach, he is certainly improving as a player.
“Right now, I’m just blending in and playing my game, focusing on solidifying my role for the team and being a good defender,” Xhekaj noted.
It’s evident that early in his career, Xhekaj concentrated too much on making a big impact in every game, but now he’s prioritizing balance and teamwork, which has enhanced his performance significantly.
While it may take years to fully ascertain his potential in the NHL, it is evident that he has the ability to be a valuable player in the league. If he can maintain this balance alongside his physical style of play, he is likely to have a long career ahead of him.
