Canadiens announce they've re-signed RFA defenceman Arber Xhekaj
Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes locked up a key member of their defensive corps on Tuesday morning.
In a post on their official social media account on Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they've agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $2.6 million ($1.3 million AAV) with restricted free agent defenceman Arber Xhekaj.
"Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year, $2.6 million contract (2024-25 to 2025-26) with defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The deal will pay him an average annual salary of $1.3 million." The team said in a statement.
Xhekaj, 23, had a tough 2023-24 season that included a stint in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket and also suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in early April. It's expected that Xhekaj will be 100% and ready to go by the time of training camp in September.
In 44 games with the Canadiens this season, the Hamilton, Ontario native put up ten points (three goals, seven assists), 81 penalty minutes and was a plus-six. He also had 11 points in 17 games with the AHL's Laval Rocket.
With Arber Xhekaj now locked up, the Canadiens only have one free agent remaining to re-sign - Justin Barron, who became an RFA on July 1st.
POLL |
JUILLET 30 | 45 ANSWERS Canadiens announce they've re-signed RFA defenceman Arber Xhekaj Will Arber Xhekaj play in 50 or more games with Montreal this season? |
Yes | 27 | 60 % |
No | 18 | 40 % |
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