Dec 7, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) skates during warm-up before the game against the Washington Capitals at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

We are awaiting an important verdict involving Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj. Will the Sheriff finally return to the lineup tonight?

That is the question, and we’ll get the answer during the press conference scheduled for 11 a.m.

Head coach Martin St-Louis will answer questions from reporters about his lineup, and the verdict on Xhekaj is likely to come at that time.

The Sheriff, for his part, sent a message yesterday:

Situations to watch during Martin St-Louis’ press conference

We’re also eager to get answers regarding Joshua Roy, and also about Oliver Kapanen.

If I had to make a prediction, I’d unfortunately say that Xhekaj will be left out once again, just like Joshua Roy and Michael Pezzetta. I’d also predict that Oliver Kapanen will be in uniform tonight for the Habs against the Boston Bruins.

The answer, around 11 a.m.:

“The Canadiens are planning a morning skate at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Follow the team on [social media] to watch pregame press conferences with St-Louis and selected players around 11 a.m.”

– Montreal Canadiens

One thing’s for sure, Kapanen is in town.

Decisions to make with Arber Xhekaj, Oliver Kapanen, Joshua Roy, and company

And if it were your decision, what would you do with Xhekaj, Struble, Kapanen, Roy, and Pezzetta?

Kapanen, 21 years old, 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, was a second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.

He recorded 35 points in 36 games this season in the SHL, including 15 goals, plus three points in five playoff games.

With the Montreal Canadiens, in 12 games at the start of the current 2024-25 season, he has recorded 2 points. He’ll look to add to that total over the next two weeks.