Canadiens re-sign tough guy Arber Xhekaj

This just in, the Montreal Canadiens have re-signed defenseman Arber Xhekaj to a two year contract worth $1.3 million per season.

Check it out:

The 6'4", 240 lb blue liner played 44 games with the Habs last season, scoring three goals and 10 points with 81 penalty minutes and 125 hits. Despite playing just 44 games his 125 hits placed him first on the team for hits from defensemen.

If you're unfamiliar with the young man's game, I encourage you to take a quick look at what he's known for.

Check it out:

Read below for the official press release announcement of today's signing:

BROSSARD – Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year, $2.6 million contract (2024-25 to 2025-26) with defenseman Arber Xhekaj. The deal will pay him an average annual salary of $1.3 million.

Xhekaj played 44 games with Montreal last season, recording 10 points (3G, 7A) and ranking second on the team with a plus-6 differential. The 6-foot-4, 240 lb rearguard led the Canadiens with 81 penalty minutes and topped all team defensemen with 125 hits.

The 23-year-old blue-liner also skated in 17 games with the Laval Rocket in 2023-24, contributing three goals and eight assists.

Xhekaj originally joined the Canadiens organization when he signed a three-year, entry-level contract on Oct. 4, 2021.