Arber Xhekaj has quickly carved out a reputation in Montreal as one of the most polarizing figures on the Canadiens’ roster.

Known for his raw toughness and willingness to stand up for his teammates, Xhekaj’s presence on the ice is impossible to ignore. But beneath the surface, there’s a deeper debate raging about his true value to the team—and whether his aggressive style is an asset or a liability in today’s NHL.

At the annual Canadiens Golf Tournament, head coach Martin St-Louis sat down for a revealing interview that shed new light on Xhekaj’s evolving role.

While fans may think they already know what Xhekaj brings to the table, St-Louis offered a perspective that challenges conventional wisdom and hints at a much more nuanced plan for the young defenseman. Is Xhekaj destined to be just an enforcer, or is there a path for him to become a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ future?

What St-Louis said about Xhekaj’s development—and the message he delivered—may surprise you. In fact, it could signal a turning point not just for Xhekaj himself, but for the entire Canadiens defense. Want to know what’s really going on behind the scenes? Keep reading to discover the truth about Xhekaj’s next chapter in Montreal

Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis and Arber Xhekaj

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

Since his arrival with the Montreal Canadiens 4 years ago, Arber Xhekaj has become a player loved for his toughness.

But also very often criticized for his lack of discipline as well as his defensive-zone weaknesses.

A recent interview with Martin St-Louis, during the Canadiens’ annual Golf Tournament, reminds us that his role is much more complex than it may seem from the outside and that he needs to learn how to balance his intensity at the right moments.

The debate around Arber Xhekaj isn’t new..

His physical style divides opinions: some love him as a player, while others fear he may limit himself to too narrow a role, especially in a league that needs this type of player less than before.

Martin St-Louis decided to clarify things.

Martin St-Louis asks Xhekaj to balance toughness and hockey IQ

“Arber knows that I love him, although the perception can sometimes cloud things. Playing defense in the NHL is one of the most difficult positions, especially as a young player.” explained St-Louis.

He then added that he didn’t want to stifle his player’s instinct:

“I know his main asset is his physicality & I don’t want to remove that but it doesn’t mean that every shift you’ll have an opportunity to be physical. If you’re only looking for that, you can take yourself out of the play, but the next shift, you might have three chances. You can’t always look for it, you have to let it develop.”

Finally, he concluded on his coaching method:

“It’s easier to (coach) a player who’s more aggressive than have to tell him to be more aggressive. But I have a great relationship with him”

I think this is a great approach.

To me, this is exactly what he needs to become an even more valuable defenseman in the long term.

With the constant support of his coach, he has every chance to become a key player, especially when it comes to playoff hockey.