Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

We witnessed an interesting scene earlier today, live from the CN Sports Complex in Brossard.

Even though only an optional practice was scheduled, defenseman Arber Xhekaj took the opportunity to send a strong message to his head coach.

Not only was he one of the few players to show up on the ice in Brossard for the optional skate, but he also stayed out there for a very long time, put in a lot of extra work, and gave it his all, especially working with Stéphane Robidas.

It was the best possible response Xhekaj could have given after being taken out of the lineup and sent to the press box.

Arber Xhekaj Sends a Message to Martin St-Louis and Everyone Else

He’s clearly ready to do whatever it takes to improve and get back in the lineup!

We love to see it!

“Arber Xhekaj is still on the ice in Brossard about an hour after the optional practice ended.

He has been a healthy scratch for the past two games.”

– Stu Cowan

Unsurprisingly, he was joined by the tireless Lane Hutson.

Arber Xhekaj, who played nearly 16 minutes per game throughout February, has seen his ice time drop sharply in March (down to 12 minutes per game), including just 3 minutes and 52 seconds, and 9 minutes and 58 seconds in his last two outings.

Since then, as you know, he’s been watching games from the press box and missed both matchups against the Florida Panthers (both wins).

Do you think he’ll be in uniform for his team’s next game?