Before the puck even drops on the Montreal Canadiens’ new season, an unexpected controversy is already simmering beneath the surface. At the center of this debate is Arber Xhekaj, a player whose physicality and reputation have made him a fan favorite—and a lightning rod for speculation.

With the Canadiens’ blue line stacked with talent and competition fiercer than ever, questions swirl about how the team will utilize “The Sheriff” in the months ahead.

But this isn’t just a story about roster spots or defensive depth. It’s about a bold idea that’s quietly gaining traction among analysts and insiders—a plan that could redefine Xhekaj’s role and shake up the very way the Canadiens approach their lineup.

Could the answer to Montreal’s defensive puzzle lie in an unconventional move that few saw coming? And what would this mean for the team’s chemistry, strategy, and the future of one of their most intriguing players?

As rumors and opinions fly, one analyst’s radical suggestion has ignited a wave of debate across the hockey world. Is this the solution the Canadiens desperately need, or just another wild theory destined to fade away?

Dive into the full story to uncover the details behind this sensational proposal.

Jan 6, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) plays the puck during the third period of the game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The season hasn’t even started yet, and already, there’s a debate about how Arber Xhekaj will be used.

The man nicknamed The Sheriff seems to be a victim of the surplus of left-handed defensemen on the Montreal Canadiens’ roster.

Among the left-handed defensemen, Kaiden Guhle, Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, and Alexandre Carrier are already certain to play regularly.

The 6th and 7th defenseman spots will therefore come down to Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and David Reinbacher. In fact, the Austrian will have every opportunity to prove himself at the upcoming camp and could shake up the team’s defensive hierarchy.

Nevertheless, the elder Xhekaj brother plays an important role on the team with his physical presence. Leaving him in the press box too often could ultimately be harmful not just to him, but to the whole team.

Brian Wilde has a solution to keep Arber Xhekaj in the lineup every game

During a recent appearance on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, Brian Wilde revisited an idea that has already been echoed by fans and analysts – the idea of playing Arber on the wing.

“I would seriously consider the idea of playing Arber Xhekaj on the wing in the NHL”

– Brian Wilde

The idea isn’t crazy, especially when you consider that losing a forward for 2, or even 5 minutes, is less damaging than losing one of the six dressed defensemen.

Xhekaj’s lack of discipline would be a bit more forgivable, and he could also go all out in defending his teammates.

I would be very surprised to see the organization go in that direction. As Félix Forget from DLC says – who agrees with me on this topic – the Habs have more NHL-level depth on the wing than on defense.

Still, it’s nice to dream and imagine a day when a line features both Arber and Florian Xhekaj with the big club.

The younger Xhekaj had a great rookie season in professional hockey with the Laval Rocket in 2024-2025. Many believe that he should and could be part of the Canadiens’ roster as early as this season.