Feb 25, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) plays the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

We now have an answer regarding young Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

Obviously, everyone is talking about Ivan Demidov today, but we’re also receiving many questions about the Sheriff.

Will he finally be inserted into the lineup?

Let’s not forget that Xhekaj hasn’t played since April 6.

At the most crucial point of the season, Martin St-Louis has completely lost confidence in Arber Xhekaj, and it seems he has fully changed his mind about his young defenseman.

Martin St-Louis has clearly changed his mind and no longer sees Arber Xhekaj as an important piece of his defensive unit or his team

Just a few weeks ago, live in a press conference, St-Louis was full of praise for Xhekaj and genuinely seemed to see him as a regular on his defensive corps.

Today, the head coach’s actions speak volumes.

He no longer trusts Xhekaj, and that’s why the young defenseman will once again be sent to the press box tonight.

“Martin St-Louis says there will be no changes in the defensive pairings tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks.”

Priyanta Emrith

Xhekaj won’t play, and unfortunately, in light of what’s been happening the past few days, I have to tell you that Xhekaj likely won’t be playing in the playoffs either (unless there’s an injury, of course).

Are you disappointed by this?

And on a completely different note, while the defense remains unchanged, that’s not the case up front, where several changes have clearly been made.

Reminder, a Canadiens win in any fashion clinches the final playoff spot and eliminates the Blue Jackets.