r/Habs

Bumped into the boys at an airport today, won’t disclose. Monsters… love the boys.

If they see this, sorry all I could muster is a “how’s it going it”

Habs!

I was going to write this as a comment in a previous thread, but it was getting exceedingly long and I think this topic may deserve it's own post due to the contrast of opinions of this player's value throughout the fan base. So here we are.

According to NHL Edge, out all the players in the league this past season, Arber had the 3rd hardest shot recorded during a game 102.23mph (Colin Miler was first with 102.59mph). He also shot a 107mph slap shot during the Habs skills competition. Think about how effective Bouchard has been on the oilers with that fuckin rocket of a "Bouch Bomb". It takes a big toll on opposing teams blocking heavy shots like that, especially in a playoff series. I'm hoping Arber carves out a spot on PP2, lets more shots fly 5-on-5, and continue to carry it in to the attacking zone himself and let it rip.

Arber is also a menacing player that really keeps the opposition in check and makes them think twice before touching any of our top guys. Did anyone else notice a difference in physicality in the games this year when he was in the line-up vs. when he was out of the line-up? Montreal just plays bigger when Xhekaj is in the line-up. Opposing teams not playing dirty and not targeting our top/young guys will greatly help our developing players stay in the lineup. They won't be getting as banged up throughout the course of a full season. Plus, less injuries = more development.

I also think his breakout passes, transition and decision making are good and will improve as he gains experience. He is also a very mobile skater for his size.

Let's not forget that Xhekaj admitted that his shoulder has not been 100% for the whole season and he was delaying his surgery until the end of the season. I assume that he wanted to be playing games to establish his place in a very crowded Montreal blueline.

I really think his only weaknesses are being out of position in the D-zone and taking penalties for murdering people because he doesnt know his own strength and he crosses the line sometimes. Both of these weaknesses are fixable and shouldn't be an issue once he gets more experience in the league and learns how the refs call the games. When the Habs make the playoffs and the refs forget what penalties are, Arber's manhandling dominance of the opposition will be amazing.

Arber Xhekaj is a valuable, rare breed of player. There's a reason why many teams have called about him and why Hughes was previously quoted, saying that he is untouchable and is not on the table as a trade peice. They see what he can bring to a team.

I'm not saying that he will be a guaranteed franchise defenseman, but I think people really undervalue his extremely rare tools and also undervalue the impact he has for his own team and in changing how the opponent plays.

Arber also just seems like a really nice person off the ice and in the locker room. He is not a typical big bruiser meat-head like a lot of enforcing defencemen are. (See Ryan Reeves, Radko Gudas, ect.)

Personally, I really hope he remains with the Canadiens for a long time and that he develops into the player that I could see him becoming.

Please share your thoughts on this and if you agree or disagree with my perspective.

P.S. The Xhekaj, Slaf, and Guhle bromance is also great.

Thank you for coming to my HABtalk.

TLDR: Arber Xhekaj has tools that are rare and weaknesses in his game that he can improve as he develops. Hearing talks of wanting to trade him seems shortsighted. We should not undervalue him or let him go anywhere before seeing how this beefed-up stallion unicorn of a player develops.