Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj: The Sheriff

[MXD]

I'd usually disapprove of such an old player being sent back (he's an early January birth, making him possibly the oldest player in the OHL), especially as he's a rather big player and which could lead to some bad habits, but the OHL circumstances of 20-21 being what they were, it's probably for the best.

 

[CapSpace]

Nice. I already like the kid.

 

[Habs Halifax]

He has earned it with a strong camp.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Guess no school.

He's old enough to have graduated high school. The pandemic meant post-secondary schools were all online anyway. Good time to wait it out and see how the hockey turns out. If it didn't, plenty of time to choose an alternative career path and go back to school.

 

[Tim Wallach]

I liked him a lot.

Surprised to see his stats in junior, he's good with the puck and has excellent mobility for a guy his size.

Don't let the pedestrian offensive stats fool you. He was a part-time, depth guy as a walk on at 17 and then still a 4-6 guy at 18, given no offensive role. It was late in the year that he really worked on his shot release and walking the line. It started to bear fruit, but he was there for physical play.

His remarkable development was just starting to shine. This is why I'm thrilled they sent him to junior. He will get lots of opportunity this year in offensive situations and should be able to get his game to a level where he can be an any situation guy for Laval.

 

[Matthew McConaughay]

Who the hell is that, another defensemen, like we need another one.

 

[JuicyHam]

Who the hell is that, another defensemen, like we need another one.

Oh no we signed young player with potential who looked good in camp and preseason games

 

[Halakitlikethat]

I’m a fan of the kid already. Who was it he trucked against the sens?

 

[overlords]

I’m a fan of the kid already. Who was it he trucked against the sens?

Stutzle

 

[HabSgt]

Good job Huge Xhekman!

Way to take an opportunity & run with it.

 

[cphabs]

Jake Evans earning an extension after being a 7th round pick and not taking any shortcuts to the NHL followed by an undrafted player who worked at Costco earning an ELC, it shows that it doesn't matter how you get there, you can always work your way to having.

Bravo!

 

[FrankMTL]

Can't wait to hear announcers pronounce his name.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

I wonder how it went.

You're cut, but here's a contract.

Here's a contract, but you're cut.

Either way, cuts are the easiest part of the job

 

[HabsQC]

I would've given him 1 game just for that "No player with a name starting with an X ever playedan NHL RS game" thing.

All the records to the Habzzz

 

[themilosh]

what does an ELC mean $ wise when sent back to junior?

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

what does an ELC mean $ wise when sent back to junior?

Nothing except for signing bonuses, or if he gets called up.

Psychologically it means he's likely got a future in hockey for the next 2 seasons, as he burns a year off his ELC this year.

 

[themilosh]

Nothing except for signing bonuses, or if he gets called up.

Psychologically it means he's likely got a future in hockey for the next 2 seasons, as he burns a year off his ELC this year.

did he get a signing bonus?

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

did he get a signing bonus?

I imagine yes, but capfriendly doesn't have the contract up yet.

Edit: Found this on the habs website.

The deal will pay Xhekaj $750,000 in salary in the NHL in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and $775,000 in 2023-24, while it will see him earn $70,000 in the AHL. The contract also contains signing bonuses of $80,000 (2021-22), $70,000 (2022-23) and $60,000 (2023-24).

 

[Adam Michaels]

did he get a signing bonus?

Yup. $80K this year, $70K next year, and $60K third year.

So he's going back to Junior with 80,000$ in his pocket.

Which is the incentive Habs had to offer in order for him to sign now rather than go back to Junior and probably wait to sign with someone else.

And burning a year of his ELC means he will get his next contract a year earlier.

 

[themilosh]

I imagine yes, but capfriendly doesn't have the contract up yet.

anyone with any knowledge willing to take a guess? I'm curious. Lke is it $500, $10,000, etc..?

 

[themilosh]

Yup. $80K this year, $70K next year, and $60K third year.

So he's going back to Junior with 80,000$ in his pocket.

really!!? I didnt know they made that much money.. dude is rich for a junior player.

 

[Stive Morgan]

Figured it was coming but happy to see it finally confirmed. Whoever scouted this guy needs a raise.

 

[HuGo Sham]

watching some of his fight videos. easily one of the toughest and best fighters in the OHL

 

[HuGo Sham]

Struble is Greek God.

if some of these guys pan out, what a crazy, physical, D..
guhle, arber, mailloux, romanov

 

[Stive Morgan]

Apparently he was rollerblading and training with a figure skater during the OHL shutdown. I wonder if that's why he's such a fluid skater for his size?