Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Despite the incredible buzz surrounding young forward Ivan Demidov, Arber Xhekaj fans aren’t backing down. They continue to speak up and are demanding in large numbers that he be returned to the lineup.

We continue to receive an overwhelming number of messages and questions on the topic.

As the Canadiens are on a losing streak, will Martin St-Louis finally insert Xhekaj into the lineup for tomorrow night’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes?

Unfortunately, the situation may already be settled.

Arber Xhekaj practiced with the extras today

It’s not 100% confirmed, but all signs point to Martin St-Louis having already made his decision, and that the Sheriff will once again be sent to the press box for the game against the Hurricanes.

“Adam Nicholas working with extra players Arber Xhekaj, Michael Pezzetta, Emil Heineman and Joshua Roy at end of Habs practice.”

– Stu Cowan

And see the images:

As you can see in the comments section, this decision is far from unanimous.

Arber Xhekaj, 24 years old, is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defenseman who has 6 points in 70 games this season, along with 118 penalty minutes.

We’ll continue monitoring this situation for you in the coming hours.

All signs currently point to Arber Xhekaj, Michael Pezzetta, Emil Heineman, and Joshua Roy once again being the players in the press box tomorrow.

Also worth noting, young Ivan Demidov was back on the second power-play unit, and not the first (at least for now).