As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for a pivotal training camp, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the blue line, where a fierce competition is about to unfold.

With roster spots at a premium and expectations running high, the battle between Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble for a place in the regular lineup has quickly become one of the most talked-about storylines in Habs Nation.

The recent signing of Struble has only intensified speculation, raising eyebrows across the league and fueling rumors about the future of Xhekaj with the team. While the Canadiens’ management has remained tight-lipped, fans and analysts alike are reading between the lines, wondering if the organization’s latest move signals a changing of the guard on defense.

Projected lineups and expert opinions seem to suggest that Struble may now have the inside track, but nothing is certain until the puck drops at camp.

With young talents like David Reinbacher waiting in the wings and the pressure mounting for every player to prove themselves, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown.

As the dust settles, one question looms large: who will emerge victorious and claim that coveted spot in Montreal’s defensive corps?

Dec 12, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Things are about to heat up at the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp. A major battle is brewing between Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble for the sixth defenseman spot under head coach Martin St-Louis.

Unless the organization has already made its decision?

As a few observers have just pointed out, the Canadiens have sent a very interesting message with the newly announced signing of Jayden Struble.

We know Kent Hughes places a lot of importance on what a contract represents. So, it’s quite telling that Jayden Struble was given a bigger deal compared to Arber Xhekaj.

Jayden Struble to replace Arber Xhekaj in the Canadiens’ regular lineup?

That’s the rumor making the rounds – it’s what many experts believe, and it matches the current projections on several sites like NHL.com and Daily Faceoff.

Wow.

Kaiden Guhle – Noah Dobson

Lane Hutson – Jayden Struble

Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier

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That’s the current projection – and that’s without even factoring in the imminent arrival of young David Reinbacher to the NHL.

Are Arber Xhekaj’s days as a regular defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens numbered?

The rumor continues to grow – but ultimately, it’ll all come down to training camp.

“Struble makes more than Xhekaj? We’re talking about 100K – nothing alarming.. but still. It’s something.”

– Max Lalonde

And what do you think – will Jayden Struble officially replace Arber Xhekaj as a regular defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens?