Arber Xhekaj snubs the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of Montreal Canadiens deal

Since making his NHL debut in the 2022-23 season, Xhekaj has quickly established himself as a fan favorite in Montreal, known for his physical play and willingness to fight anyone who crosses his path.

During his first two NHL seasons, Xhekaj has appeared in 95 games, accumulating 182 penalty minutes (PIMs). His aggressive style and defensive prowess have made him a crucial asset for the Canadiens.

On the Spittin Chiclet's podcast, Xhekaj revealed that he turned down an offer from the Leafs, opting instead to wait for a contract from the Canadiens, which he eventually received.

The Leafs' loss was undoubtedly Montreal's gain. Unable to secure Xhekaj, Toronto had to look elsewhere for physicality, eventually signing Ryan Reaves, who faced off against Xhekaj and was notably outmatched.

Xhekaj, a towering 6'4" defenseman, was undrafted throughout his eligibility years but made a name for himself in his final OHL season. His impressive performance, including a spot on the third OHL All-Star team, led to a tryout with the Canadiens. He secured a contract and made the roster out of training camp, playing 51 games in his rookie year with 101 PIMs, five goals, and 13 points.

In his second season, Xhekaj split time between the NHL and AHL but showed dominance with the Laval Rocket. As he enters his third NHL season, he is expected to remain a staple of the Canadiens' roster.

Source: House of Hockey
Arber Xhekaj disses the Toronto Maple Leafs before signing with the Montreal Canadiens

Source for Arber Xhekaj's statistics: Elite Prospects
Arber Xhekaj's profile on Elite Prospects}»