Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Tuesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The Montreal Canadiens announced they extended defenceman Arber Xhekaj to a two-year contract. Despite the injuries and the relatively sheltered usage in his case, a longer contract could have been a safe bet, seeing as he provides such a unique boost to the lineup. That boost goes beyond his fighting skills, which are beyond reproach. Xhekaj holds more value when he’s on the ice than when he’s in the penalty box. [Xhekaj Extension Could Be Missed Opportunity For Habs]
We continue our deep dive into the Habs summer prospect rankings. Our latest article covers prospects such as Oliver Kapanen, who I probably wrote off a little too early, as well as players like Filip Mesar, who will require more patience from the fan base. Take a look at our Canadiens prospect rankings for players ranked No.15 to No.11. [Canadiens Prospect Rankings – The Talented And Underrated]
Xhekaj brings a lot to the table, but one of the most underrated aspect of his presence spreads confidence throughout the lineup, and that leads to more team unity.
#Habs Arber Xhekaj: “we’re a very close team inside the room, we love to play for each other and we’re on the right path here. We’re trying really hard to get to where we need to go so we’re all excited; from game 1 to game 82, our goal is nothing less than to make the playoffs”
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) July 30, 2024
Xhekaj also stated he was recovering nicely from the shoulder surgery that forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
“This summer’s been excellent for me. I haven’t taken any steps back, the recovery’s been great…I’m pretty much almost fully ready to go…I’ve been on the ice…I feel strong, moving good weight at the gym. I’ll be back for training camp with no worries.”
– Arber Xhekaj pic.twitter.com/barP22JVkf
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) July 30, 2024
National Hockey Now Network
11 goals in 23 games, including a hat trick with the Columbus Blue Jackets after a late-season trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins, wasn’t enough to earn Alex Nylander an NHL shot or even a two-way contract. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
The Philadelphia Flyers are hoping that sophomore forward Bobby Brink, among their many young up-and-coming players, takes another step forward in his NHL development during the 2024-25 season. [Philadelphia Flyers]
It’s been a big summer for Detroit Red Wings personnel who honed their hockey skills in the Big Ten. The club signed former Michigan Wolverine Tyler Motte as a free agent. They’re also promoting a graduate of the Ohio State University in their front office. [New Jersey Devils]
