Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman Arber Xhekaj, the imposing 6-foot-4, 240-pound player has sustained a recent left shoulder surgery, 

However, a sling revealed the procedure he had undergone just six days prior. This surgery raises questions about Xhekaj’s future contract, particularly regarding length and salary. As a potential restricted free agent this summer, Xhekaj is coming off a three-year contract with a modest annual cap hit.

While his on-ice performance this season included 10 points and a positive plus-minus rating, concerns linger regarding his shoulder health. Last season also saw Xhekaj undergo surgery on his opposite shoulder.

Despite these setbacks, Xhekaj expresses optimism. He anticipates a full recovery by training camp and believes both shoulders will be stronger than ever. And many of the best sports betting sites in Canada will soon have the latest odds on his return to the sport – although they’re not likely to be promising, given that the team is second-last in the league at the time of writing. These online gambling platforms are ideal for placing bets on the Habs over the next season, thanks to their convenience, quick payouts and bonuses. 

But, with Xhkaj’s return hopefully in the bag, it isn’t the first time the Canadian-born player has shown his resilience. 

Born in 2001, Xhekaj’s journey began with amateur hockey. Early on, Xhekaj faced the sting of rejection during the Ontario Hockey League draft. Yet, despite contemplating quitting, his parents’ encouragement fueled his determination.

Xhekaj’s talent eventually shone through, though. Playing for the St. Catharines Falcons in a junior league, he caught the eye of the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. His dedication paid off with a roster spot on the Rangers. Xhekaj soon carved a niche as a formidable defenseman, blending classic enforcer grit with modern defensive skills. However, his aggressive style also resulted in suspensions.

Xhekaj’s impressive play attracted the Montreal Canadiens, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He continued his development with the Hamilton Bulldogs, playing a key role in their 2022 J. Ross Robertson Cup win and earning a coveted spot on the Memorial Cup All-Star Team.

Xhekaj’s journey became historic when he debuted for the Canadiens, marking the first time a player with a last name starting with “X” played in the NHL. His teammates nicknamed him “Wi-Fi” for his unique surname. Xhekaj’s impact extended beyond the ice, but his rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury in 2023.

Despite the setback, Xhekaj’s story remains inspiring. It demonstrates the power of perseverance, showcasing how the one-time Costco employee could rise to the pinnacle of professional hockey.

Building on a strong first season with the Canadiens (51 games, 5 goals, 8 assists), Xhekaj continues to develop his defensive skills. In his first 11 games this season, he has already notched two assists while maintaining a solid plus-minus rating (-4), highlighting his commitment to defensive responsibility. While he hasn’t scored any goals yet, his previous season’s 13 points suggest a promising future as a key player on the Canadiens’ defence, so watch this space.