Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Martin St-Louis Sends Strong Message to Arber Xhekaj in Press Conference

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Tom Banks
October 25, 2024 (3:19 PM)

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Arber Xhekaj has yet to earn a consistent spot in Montreal's lineup this season, and now Martin St. Louis has sent a warning to the young star ahead of his return.

The Montreal Canadiens are off to a slow start in 2024/25, posting just a 2-4-1 record through seven games, and while injuries certainly play a part, they've got the team on the ice that should be competing every single night. Unfortunately that hasn't happened yet, and now, after struggling to find his way into the lineup, it appears Arber Xhekaj is on the way back for Saturday night's matchup against the St. Louis Blues.

The Sheriff has had a very short leash thus far in 2024/25, with even some suggestions that Xhekaj could be traded soon, but with the team looking for a spark, it makes sense that Martin St. Louis would look to bring him back. However, that return comes with a very stern warning, revealing his very high expectations for Xhekaj as he has an important role to play on the team's blue line.

«I expect a better versionBeing staying alert, consistent.»

«You should be worried about making some mistakes. He's not a rookie anymore. So you should say: �I gotta be better.' Very simple. It's not like we nitpick everything he does. But he's gotta be better. I expect Xhekaj to be a better version.»

With five games played this season, the 23-year old has now officially hit 100 games played in his NHL career dating back to 2022, and while we know he's in the game for his physicality and fighting ability, he clearly needs to become more than that. With the Canadiens nursing some injuries on their defense, it's time for Xhekaj to step up at the NHL level, and with all of the expectations, it's clear that St. Louis and the coaching staff believe he can be effective.

Coming into their latest game, the Canadiens have lost three straight games, meaning they need some type of spark to turn their season around, so look for a big impact from The Sheriff in a high-profile Saturday night matchup.