Arber Xhekaj Stays in Montreal on a Modest One-Year Deal After a Bruising Playoff Run

It's no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have been building something interesting over the past couple of seasons. With a young core taking shape and a legitimate playoff run now in the rearview mirror, the front office has been busy making sure the right pieces stay in place. On Tuesday evening, one of those pieces officially got his new deal done.

X Man Gets His Deal

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes announced that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Arber Xhekaj on a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season, carrying a $1.5 million cap hit. It's a relatively modest number for a player who has carved out a very specific and valuable role on this roster.

The 25-year-old Hamilton native suited up for 65 regular season games this past year, putting up four points while racking up a whopping 116 penalty minutes. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Xhekaj isn't exactly out there to dangle through defenders. He led the Canadiens in both hits (148) and penalty minutes, with the latter figure good enough for fifth in the entire NHL. When you need someone to make the opposition think twice about getting cute in front of the net, Xhekaj is your guy.

What makes this signing feel a little more significant is the postseason context. Xhekaj appeared in 13 playoff games for Montreal, chipping in with a goal and an assist. That goal was a memorable one, too. He potted his first career playoff tally on May 16 during Game 6 of the second round against the Buffalo Sabres. For a guy who went undrafted and had to scratch and claw for every opportunity, moments like that carry real weight.

What This Means Going Forward

Since breaking into the league during the 2022-23 campaign, Xhekaj has now played 230 NHL games and accumulated 33 points. Those aren't numbers that jump off the page offensively, but that was never really the point. His value lies in the physical presence he brings every night, the space he creates for his teammates, and the willingness to drop the gloves or finish a check when the moment calls for it.

The one-year term is worth noting. At $1.5 million, it's a low-risk commitment for Montreal, and it gives both sides a chance to reassess after next season. For Xhekaj, a strong 2026-27 campaign could set him up for a more substantial payday, whether that's in Montreal or elsewhere. For the Canadiens, they get to keep a fan favorite and locker room presence without any long-term financial burden.

With the playoff experience now under his belt and another year of development ahead, Xhekaj will look to build on what was arguably his most complete season as a pro. The Canadiens clearly see him as part of the plan moving forward, even if they're taking it one year at a time. In a league where toughness and physicality still matter, having a guy like Xhekaj locked in is never a bad thing.