Arber Xhekaj Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries with our National Hockey League injury report.Dec 4, 2023
Headed for minors
Xhekaj (upper body) was activated off injured reserve and then sent down to AHL Laval on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj was sidelined for seven games due to his upper-body issue but will have to continue to wait before returning the the NHL lineup following his demotion. Prior to getting hurt, the Ontario native managed just three points in 17 outings and shouldn't be expected to offer much in the way of offensive upside even once cleared to play.
Nov 25, 2023
Added to IR
The Canadiens retroactively placed Xhekaj (upper body) on injured reserve.
ANALYSIS
The designation is retroactive to Xhekaj's last game Nov. 16 against Vegas, so he can be activated at any time. The blueliner did not travel with the team on its road trip, which is currently in California before finishing next Wednesday in Columbus. In a corresponding move, Montreal recalled Joel Armia from AHL Laval, and he will join the team for Saturday afternoon's tilt against the Kings.
Nov 20, 2023
Won't travel with team
Xhekaj (upper body) won't travel with his teammates Monday to California ahead of the Canadiens' three-game road trip, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
As a result, Xhekaj is likely to miss Montreal's next three games, starting with Wednesday's contest versus Anaheim. He has picked up one goal, two assists, 47 PIM, 12 blocked shots and 41 hits across 17 outings this season. Montreal brought up Jayden Struble from AHL Laval on Monday to serve as an extra defender for the road trip.
Nov 18, 2023
Unavailable Saturday
Xhekaj (upper body) won't play Saturday against Boston, Stu Cowan of The Montreal Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj is listed as day-to-day after sustaining an upper-body injury in Thursday's 6-5 loss to Vegas. He has supplied one goal, two assists, 47 PIM, 12 blocked shots and 41 hits in 17 games this season. Xhekaj will be replaced in the lineup by Jordan Harris (upper body), who will return from a two-game absence.
Nov 17, 2023
Not practicing Friday
Xhekaj (upper body) is missing from practice Friday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj was injured in the second period Thursday against the Golden Knights and did not return. The defenseman has lots of fantasy value if your league uses PIM and hits as categories as he has 47 and 41 respectively in just 17 games. He is questionable at this time to play Saturday versus Boston.
Nov 16, 2023
Won't finish Thursday's game
Xhekaj suffered an upper-body injury and won't return to Thursday's game versus the Golden Knights.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj appeared to injure his left shoulder after sustaining a hit. It's not his surgically repaired right shoulder, which was an injury that ended his 2022-23 campaign prematurely. The 22-year-old defenseman can be considered day-to-day until another update is available.
Nov 13, 2023
Pots first of season
Xhekaj scored a goal on two shots in Sunday's 5-2 loss to Vancouver. The defenseman added one blocked shot and one hit to his line over 15:22 of ice time.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj danced through several Vancouver defenders to score his first goal of the season with just 49 seconds left. The blueliner is mostly known for the edge with which he plays and racks up fantasy-worthy hits and penalty minutes. He leads the Habs with 47 PIM and is second at 38 hits.
Oct 23, 2023
Chips in with assist in win
Xhekaj posted an assist in Monday's 3-1 road victory against the Sabres.
ANALYSIS
The point was his first since also posting an apple in the wild 6-5 shootout loss Oct. 11 against the Maple Leafs. He also had a plus-1 rating, two shots on goal and a minor penalty, giving him at least one infraction in four of five games this season. Xhekaj has 23 penalty minutes through five outings, helping fantasy managers in pools rewarding bad behavior.
Oct 12, 2023
Whistled early, often
Xhekaj had an assist, three hits and 17 penalty minutes in Wednesday's 6-5 shootout loss to Toronto.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj is no stranger to the physical side of hockey and wasted little time mixing it up. All three penalties -- two minutes for instigating a fight, five minutes for fighting and a 10-minute misconduct -- were assessed in the first period for his brawl with noted tough guy Ryan Reaves. He later produced an assist in the third period, when his shot from the point was tipped in by Alex Newhook. Xhekaj had 159 hits and 101 PIM over 51 games in 2022-23.
Oct 11, 2023
Called up, in lineup Wednesday
Xhekaj was recalled from AHL Laval on Wednesday, per CapFriendly.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj will be in the lineup Wednesday versus the Maple Leafs, per the NHL roster report. The 22-year-old defenseman figures to see bottom-six minutes this season as long as the Canadiens' blue line stays relatively healthy. Joel Armia was sent to Laval in a corresponding move.
Oct 11, 2023
Expected for Wednesday
Xhekaj is expected to suit up for Montreal in Wednesday's season opener against Toronto, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj was not on the ice during Tuesday's practice, because the Canadiens sent him down to AHL Laval in what amounts to a paper transaction. Montreal general manager Kent Hughes had to juggle to get under the salary cap, hence sending the defenseman to the Rocket. Xhekaj should be in the lineup Wednesday as both Christian Dvorak (knee) and Carey Price (knee) have been added to long-term injured reserve.
Oct 9, 2023
Sent to minors
Xhekaj was reassigned to AHL Laval on Monday, per CapFriendly.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj could be back with Montreal before Wednesday's season opener in Toronto. The 22-year-old defenseman scored five goals and 13 points in 55 NHL games during his rookie campaign last year.
Sep 11, 2023
Available for training camp
Xhekaj (shoulder) will be ready for the beginning of training camp, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj sat out the final 29 games of last season because of a shoulder injury. He racked up 101 PIM, 159 hits and 13 points in 51 appearances during his rookie campaign in 2022-23. Xhekaj will battle for a spot on Montreal's blue line during camp.
Feb 25, 2023
Done for season
Xhekaj (shoulder) will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder next week.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj has already been out for six games, and now his rookie year will come to a close. The 22-year-old defenseman ended with 13 points, 159 hits, 101 PIM, 75 shots on goal and 46 blocked shots in 51 contests. He is already on injured reserve, and it's unclear if his recovery from the surgery will impact him ahead of next season's training camp.
Feb 18, 2023
Added to IR
Xhekaj (upper body) was placed on IR Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj appears to be in for an extended absence after suffering an upper-body injury Sunday against Edmonton. Per the Canadiens, the 22-year-old blueliner will meet with a specialist before any further updates are provided. Xhekaj has five goals, eights assists, and 159 hits through 51 games in his rookie season. Chris Wideman should remain on Montreal's third pairing while Xhekaj is out.
Feb 14, 2023
Out indefinitely
Xhekaj is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj has provided 13 points, 75 shots on goal, 46 blocks and 157 hits in 50 games during his rookie season. He left Sunday's 6-2 win over Edmonton following a second-period fight with Vincent Desharnais.
Feb 14, 2023
Remains unavailable against Hawks
Xhekaj (undisclosed) will not be in the lineup for Tuesday's clash with Chicago, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Considering Xhekaj is pointless in his last 14 contests, his absence is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy players. In his stead, Chris Wideman will suit up for just the third time in the Habs' last 11 contests. Even once cleared to play, Xhekaj's lack of offensive upside will make him a low-end fantasy target at best.
Feb 12, 2023
Won't return Sunday
Xhekaj (undisclosed) won't return to Sunday's game against Edmonton.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj racked up nine PIM in 10:16 of ice time prior his exit.. He left the contest following a fight with Vincent Desharnais of the Oilers.
Jan 6, 2023
Helps on lone goal
Xhekaj had an assist, two shots on goal, two hits, two blocked shots and two penalty minutes over 14:23 of ice time in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Rangers.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj fed Joel Armia who eventually slipped the puck past Jaroslav Halak for Montreal's lone goal. While the team overall has starved for offense of late, Xhekaj has done his part. The defenseman has one goal and four assists over the last eight games.
Dec 30, 2022
Adds to power play
Xhekaj had a power-play goal and assist in Thursday's 7-2 loss to Carolina. He added three shots on goal and three hits over 19:26 of ice time.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj gave Montreal's last-in-the-NHL power play a lift in the first period as a response to Aleksander Barkov's hat trick. The rookie defenseman, who averages 39 seconds on the power play, was added to the unit this week and skated a combined 7:43 with the man advantage in losses to the Lightning and Hurricanes. He told Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette that being on the power play is "starting to click." Xhekaj has three points on the power play over 34 games.
Dec 24, 2022
Sets up goal in loss
Xhekaj had an assist, three shots on goal, two hits and three blocked shots over 16:00 of ice time in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Stars.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj sent a stretch pass to Michael Pezzetta who finished it off to give Montreal a 2-0 lead early in the second period. It was Xhekaj's 10th point and sixth assist over 32 games. The rookie blueliner also has 52 shots on goal, 96 hits and 29 blocked shots over 15:11 TOI/G.
Dec 19, 2022
Pockets assist Monday
Xhekaj registered an assist and two hits in Monday's 3-2 overtime win over the Coyotes.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj was initially credited with the Canadiens' second goal, but it was later determined Christian Dvorak tipped his shot in. The helper ended a six-game point drought for Xhekaj. He saw 16:11 of ice time Monday, his highest mark since Dec. 3, and he could be in line for a long-term boost with news of Mike Matheson (lower body) being out indefinitely. The Canadiens are also missing David Savard (upper body), so Xhekaj shouldn't have to worry about his place in the lineup for a while. He has nine points, 46 shots on net, 92 hits, 63 PIM, 25 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating through 30 contests.
Dec 4, 2022
Scores on power play
Xhekaj scored a power-play goal in Saturday's 5-3 loss to Edmonton. He had one shot on net, three hits and two penalty minutes over 17:24 of ice time.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj was on the ice for a 5-on-3 man advantage and patiently found a shooting angle before wristing the puck past Stuart Skinner to tie the game at 3-3. It was the first power-play goal for the rookie and fourth of the season. He's been a healthy scratch twice in the last two weeks, but Xhekaj provided offense from back line when active. He has three points (two goals, one assist) over the last five games.
Nov 24, 2022
Returns to lineup, scores
Xhekaj scored a goal on two shots over 16:05 of ice time in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Columbus.
ANALYSIS
A scoreless game after two periods broke open in the third. Ninety seconds after the Blue Jackets opened the scoring, Xhekaj's shot from the point made it through traffic for his third goal of the season. The blueline carousel continued for Montreal; Xhekaj and Johnny Kovacevic were back in the lineup Wednesday after being healthy scratches Tuesday.
Nov 20, 2022
Remains in lineup
Xhekaj had an assist, one shot on goal, two hits, one blocked shot and a five-minute major over 13:52 of ice time in Saturday's 5-4 shootout victory over the Flyers.
ANALYSIS
Mike Matheson made his season debut, so there was some juggling on the blue line, but Xhekaj, who wasn't part of the top three pairings at Friday's practice, got the starting nod over Jordan Harris. After the Flyers jumped to a 2-0 lead early in the first period, Xhekaj helped spark the comebacks when he sent a shot on net that was stopped; however, the ensuing battle for the puck was led to a Christian Dvorak goal. It was the fifth point in 18 games for Xhekaj, who also fought for the second straight game when he partnered with Nicolas Deslauriers in the second period. The rookie blueliner leads the NHL with 45 PIM.
Nov 19, 2022
Role could change
Xhekaj practiced on the fourth line during Friday's practice, Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj had been paired with Joel Edmundson, but Mike Matheson (abdomen) replaced him Friday, the injured defenseman's first full-contact practice. The arrangement of the defense Friday suggests Matheson will play Saturday while Xhekaj appears to be the odd man out. It's unclear what the Canadiens plan to do with Xhekaj, the rookie who's made a name for himself early in the season and shown some offensive potential.
Nov 16, 2022
Active in loss
Xhekaj had one shot on net, five hits, six blocked shots and two penalty minutes in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to New Jersey.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj led all Montreal blueliners in TOI and continues to impact games as rookie in the NHL. He leads the Canadiens with 58 hits (eighth in league) and is sixth with 19 blocks.
Nov 10, 2022
Scores in win
Xhekaj scored a goal on two shots, had one hit and two penalty minutes over 19:19 of ice time in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Canucks.
ANALYSIS
Sean Monahan won an offensive zone draw back to Xhekaj, whose wrister from the point through multiple bodies eluded Thatcher Demko for the Canadiens' second goal. It was the second strike for the defenseman, whose legend in Montreal is growing by the game. The rookie blueliner has four points and leads the team with 49 hits and 35 PIM over 14 contests.
Nov 2, 2022
Picks up misconduct
Xhekaj recorded three shots on net, two hits, one blocked shot and was assessed a 10-minute misconduct late in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Wild.
ANALYSIS
The game got chippy late in the third period after Minnesota's Marco Rossi shoved Juraj Slafkovsky into the boards. There were several penalties assessed following the incident, but Xhekaj was not on the ice at the time. He tried to get at Rossi less than a minute later, but officials were able to prevent him. Xhekaj leads Montreal with 25 PIM.
Oct 22, 2022
Nets first NHL goal and adds assist
Xhekaj scored a goal and added an assist in a 5-2 loss to the Stars on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
He scored his first NHL goal when he fired a wrist shot stick side on Jake Oettinger through traffic from the point. Xhekaj has quickly become a fan favorite in Montreal. He had his first fight Thursday against Zach Kassian of the Coyotes and got his first goal Saturday. Xhekaj has three points, 13 PIM and seven shots in five games.
Oct 21, 2022
Fells Kassian in first fight
Xhekaj had three shots on net, three hits, a five-minute major and finished plus-1 over 17:40 of ice time in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Coyotes.
ANALYSIS
Arizona's Zack Kassian attempted to motivate his club, which had fallen behind 3-0 midway through the first period, and picked the wrong cat with which to tangle. Xhekaj, who's made a name for himself as a physical defenseman, went right after Kassian and eventually threw him down. The Coyotes' veteran headed to the locker room following the bout but later returned. It was the first fighting major for Xhekaj, who has 13 PIM (tied for third in NHL) and 19 hits (tied for ninth) through five games.
Oct 16, 2022
Logs first NHL point
Xhekaj had an assist, three hits and three blocked shots over 15:05 of ice time in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Washington.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj's shot from the point was blocked in front of goalie Darcy Kuemper, but Nick Suzuki retrieved the puck and spun for a wraparound goal. Xhekaj's one of several young defensemen playing a larger-than-expected role. Initially, Xhekaj has been good at taking the body and it remains to be seen if he contribute offense on a breakout. Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic talked about the young defenders learning to jump-start the offense from the back end, an element that's been missing early on due to Jeff Petry no longer being around and Mike Matheson's abdomen injury idling him for the next two months. Xhekaj showed some flashes on the rush against the Capitals, as did Jordan Harris, but until they become more skilled at this aspect of the game, Montreal's blueliners may not be a good source of points.
Oct 15, 2022
Logs six hits in loss
Xhekaj recorded two shots on net, six hits, three blocked shots and two penalty minutes in Friday's 3-0 loss to the Red Wings.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj (pronounced Jack-Eye) is one of the inexperienced blueliners the Canadiens are using with both Joel Edmundson (lower body) and Mike Matheson (abdomen) unavailable to start the season. The 6-foot-4 defenseman has thrown around his body with 10 hits and four blocked shots over the first two games of his NHL career.
Oct 11, 2022
Called up from minors
Xhekaj, as expected, was recalled from AHL Laval on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj had to make a brief stop in the minors on paper until the Habs officially placed Paul Byron (hip) on long-term injured reserve. With that move now complete, Xhekaj will link back up with the NHL squad ahead of Wednesday's season opener versus the Leafs. Whether the youngster suits up in the contest will likely depend on the health of Mike Matheson (lower body), though he could still edge out Kaiden Guhle or Johnny Kovacevic for a spot regardless.
Oct 10, 2022
Goes to AHL temporarily
Xhekaj was assigned to AHL Laval on Monday, but the move is believed to be only temporary, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj is slated to start the season with the Canadiens and will be available to play on Wednesday in the team's season opener versus Toronto.
Oct 4, 2021
Secures entry-level deal
Xhekaj agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with the Habs on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Xhekaj -- who didn't play during the 2020-21 campaign -- previously racked up 17 points in 51 games for OHL Kitchener two years ago. The 20-year-old blueliner figures to spend another year developing in the minors before getting an opportunity to jump to the professional ranks with AHL Laval.