As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for another highly anticipated NHL season, one of their most promising young defensemen, Arber Xhekaj, finds himself at a crossroads.

The competition for the final spot on Montreal’s blue line has reached a fever pitch, with talented prospects and established names all vying for a coveted place in the lineup.

While Xhekaj has shown flashes of brilliance and toughness that have endeared him to fans, the latest developments out of training camp suggest his path to regular playing time is more uncertain than ever.

With organizational priorities shifting and rising stars like David Reinbacher being given every chance to shine, Xhekaj faces the toughest challenge of his young career.

The coming weeks will be crucial, as the Canadiens’ defensive depth chart grows more crowded and the pressure mounts for those on the bubble.

For Xhekaj and his supporters, the hope is that his unique skill set and determination will find a way to break through — but for now, his future in Montreal hangs in the balance.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Things aren’t looking too promising at the moment for young Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj.

The defensive situation in Montreal is well known – and very clear. Only one spot remains open on the Canadiens’ blue line, and there will be a battle between David Reinbacher, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj for that final spot.

But that’s not all.

Sources close to the Canadiens organization have revealed that Reinbacher will be given every opportunity at training camp to seize that final spot on the Canadiens’ top-six defensive unit – behind Kaiden Guhle, Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, and Alexandre Carrier.

That makes it increasingly hard to envision Xhekaj playing regularly in the lineup this season.

Which is unfortunate – because he brings so much to the table.

David Reinbacher could be paired with Lane Hutson as early as this season

It has been reported that “David Reinbacher could play with Lane Hutson right away.” Wow!

This setup would place Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier on the third defensive pairing – potentially the best third pair in the entire NHL.

On yesterday’s episode of The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro and Pierre McGuire, the host said the following during a discussion about Hutson’s defensive partner this season:

“I spoke to a few people who believe Reinbacher could be the right guy as early as now.”

– Tony Marinaro

The smoke is definitely starting to turn into fire!

We highly recommend checking out the full episode with Tony Marinaro and Pierre McGuire, but bottom line – things aren’t looking great for The Sheriff.

Unless injuries open the door, Xhekaj increasingly appears destined for a 7th or 8th defenseman role on the Canadiens’ depth chart.

We’ll see how it all plays out – but if Reinbacher does, in fact, make the jump this year, the Canadiens will face some serious congestion on the back end.