It’s a moment that no hockey fan in Montreal saw coming—and yet, as the dust settles after a pivotal playoff matchup, the fate of one of the Canadiens’ most beloved defensemen has suddenly become a hot topic across the city. The Bell Centre buzzed with anticipation before last night’s game, but what happened next has left fans and analysts alike searching for answers.

Behind closed doors, decisions were made that could reshape the team’s defensive core for weeks to come. A surprise announcement before puck drop sent shockwaves through the locker room, and the ripple effects are only just beginning to emerge. While some players seized their opportunity to step into the spotlight, others now find themselves facing an uncertain road ahead, with their roles and futures hanging in the balance.

What does this unexpected development mean for the Canadiens’ playoff hopes? How will the coaching staff navigate this delicate situation as the pressure mounts? And, most importantly, what lies ahead for a fan-favorite whose career has taken an unforeseen turn? The answers are far from clear, but one thing is certain: the drama unfolding in Montreal promises to keep everyone guessing. Read on to discover the full story behind the headlines.

Apr 25, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) skates during the warmup period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

That’s exactly what I was telling you yesterday, and the worst-case scenario is starting to take shape for Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

When Martin St-Louis announced, before last night’s game, that Xhekaj would be a healthy scratch and sent to the press box.. I mentioned this:

“The next question is this.. What will happen to Xhekaj if Struble has a strong game?

It’s always risky to lose your spot in the lineup, because you never know when you’ll get it back.. It could take a while!”

– HF

Well, that’s exactly what happened, unfortunately for Xhekaj and for all of us-including myself-who were already eager to see the Sheriff back in action.

The Worst-Case Scenario Is Confirmed for Arber Xhekaj

Struble impressed Martin St-Louis so much last night that he was outright promoted to the team’s top four on defense and paired with Lane Hutson..

“Jayden Struble goes from healthy scratch to Lane Hutson’s defense partner since the end of the first period.

Good promotion.”

– Anthony Martineau

In other words: unfortunately, we shouldn’t expect to see Arber Xhekaj back in uniform anytime soon.

It will likely take a bad game or a rough stretch from Struble, and that explains exactly why it’s always risky to give up your spot to another player.

Unless Kaiden Guhle is injured?

In any case, we’ll keep you informed, but everything unfortunately indicates that Arber Xhekaj has already lost his spot in Martin St-Louis’ top six on defense and is back to being the team’s seventh defenseman.

Struble played nearly 14 minutes last night, which is far more than the 10 and 6 minutes Xhekaj played in his previous two games.

That says a lot about which player Martin St-Louis currently has the most confidence in.