Martin St-Louis’s patience has finally run out, and he sent a message to Arber Xhekaj so loud and clear it reverberated all the way from Vancouver. During the Canadiens’ recent game against the Canucks, the young defenseman’s undisciplined play became the focal point of St-Louis’s frustration.

After taking two costly—and in his view, questionable—penalties, Xhekaj not only lashed out at the official but also earned the full wrath of his head coach.

In a drastic move that has the entire fanbase buzzing, St-Louis made the stunning decision to bench “The Sheriff” for the entire third period. Xhekaj finished the night with a shockingly low 6 minutes and 37 seconds of ice time, a clear and public humiliation that signals a major loss of trust. This wasn’t just a simple in-game adjustment; it was a powerful statement.

With his ice time evaporating and his coach’s displeasure on full display, the once-untouchable enforcer now finds his spot in the lineup in serious jeopardy. The question on everyone’s mind is no longer if a change is coming, but when—and who will be taking his place.

Oct 20, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) plays the puck during the second period of the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, has never been afraid to get his message across to Arber Xhekaj by benching him.

That approach was on full display during the second period in Vancouver, when St-Louis appeared visibly fed up with his defenseman’s costly penalties.

Arber also lashed out at the official following his interference penalty.

Martin St-Louis made a drastic decision involving Xhekaj, and we hadn’t had much time to revisit it.

Martin St-Louis benched Arber Xhekaj for the entire third period of the Canadiens’ game

On top of that, Xhekaj played an almost laughable 6 minutes and 37 seconds against the Canucks.

It really looks like the Sheriff is about to be taken out of the lineup and sent to the stands, unfortunately.

“Arber Xhekaj played a team low 6:37 mins yesterday and had zero shifts in the 3rd period after his 2nd penalty.”

– HabsOnReddit

It’s worth remembering that Xhekaj took two questionable penalties (according to many) against the Canucks, and Martin St-Louis seems to have lost patience with his young defenseman.

Some are even wondering if…

“Don’t be surprised if Marc Del Gaizo replaces Arber Xhekaj in the lineup for the next game.”

– HabsOnReddit

I honestly can’t believe that will happen, but St-Louis really seems intent on sending him a message, and let’s just say his drastic decision on Saturday already says a lot…

This will be a story to watch at the start of the week.