On October 9, during the opening game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Arber Xhekaj and Ryan Reaves will undoubtedly settle scores on the ice.
After months of tensions and provocations, everything seems aligned for the two enemies to hit each other like there was no tomorrow.
This long-awaited duel goes beyond hockey itself; it symbolizes personal revenge and pride.
TSN, faithful to its reputation as a pro-Toronto network, has continued to make fun of Arber Xhekaj all week, calling him a player unworthy of the NHL, a simple brawler who gets his team in trouble.
They highlighted his penalties and his role as a “goon” as if he had no value on the ice, despite the fact that he has quite the shot.
What’s shocking about this media coverage is TSN’s absolute silence about Ryan Reaves, a player who, unlike Xhekaj, is in a downward spiral, not to say that he’s finished.
Reaves is a great goon in hockey history, but no longer has the same energy or strength as before, but that doesn’t seem to bother TSN.
He can no longer keep up with the pace of the NHL and he looks like a player who comes from a beer league because he is so slow on the ice with his hands in the concrete and a skating style worthy of our grandfather.
For TSN, Reaves remains an untouchable veteran, while Xhekaj is the ideal target.
The Montreal Canadiens know they will have to prepare for a physical encounter, as Reaves never passes up an opportunity to impose his presence and he certainly wants to avenge his loss to Xhekaj a year ago, as he was humiliated by the defender on October 11, 2023.
Recall that Reaves had accused Xhekaj of not respecting the code by throwing himself at him without warning, when he should have warned him that he was going to throw down the gloves.
Reaves then accused Xhekaj of faking an injury to avoid facing him last April.
Xhekaj, who has a long memory, has not forgotten his enemy’s comments.
This provocation didn’t just hurt Xhekaj’s pride in the moment. She had a profound impact on him. For a guy like him, to be called a coward was the ultimate insult.
Reaves, for his part, had none of it. He was good in his role as a veteran bully. He knew very well that by rubbing salt in the wound like this, he could perhaps destabilize Xhekaj.
But the story took a dramatic turn when, shortly after these accusations, it was revealed that Xhekaj’s injury was real.
A shoulder operation proved that he had not faked anything that famous April evening. This revelation silenced Ryan Reaves and his insinuations.
The Leaf goon found himself in an unenviable position, that of the guy who opened his mouth a little too quickly.
Worse still, for Reaves, it was a major blow to his credibility. Not only had he falsely accused Xhekaj, but he was also seen as a liar.
Meanwhile, Reaves, who surely felt invincible after so many years playing this role as the inescapable, arrogant bully, began to show signs of weakness.
On the ice, his mistakes multiplied, and the aura of intimidation that he had carried with him for years began to go up in smoke. He has become the laughing stock of the league because he is so bad at hockey.
However, this did not prevent him from continuing to play the strong arm, notably by attacking Michael Pezzetta during a match without the presence of Xhekaj to defend his teammates.
Pezzetta took a beating, and Reaves, in his arrogance, perhaps thought he had won another round against the Canadian.
On October 9, Xhekaj will have the opportunity to avenge his teammate, avenge himself and prove once and for all that he doesn’t need to hide behind an injury to face Reaves.
For Arber Xhekaj, this clash will be an opportunity to restore his honor.
In a league where toughness is essential, Xhekaj has proven he can play at this level, while also being a defender who goes well beyond just being a goon.
Despite the unfair criticism from TSN, Xhekaj remains a key part of the Canadian, not only because he is the best boxer in the league, but also for his courage in protecting his teammates.
When asked about this upcoming duel, Xhekaj responded bluntly:
“I’m not afraid of anyone. »
These words alone sum up the attitude he will bring to the ice on October 9. TSN says he won’t be in uniform, but in our opinion, St. Louis has no choice.
At worst, let him dress 7 defenders. Xhekaj must be there to fight against Reaves.
The opening match will not just be a battle for two points, but a fight for respect….a fight for honor…
Ryan Reaves will pocket $1.35 million per year until 2026. At 37 years old, the only way he won’t be bought out next summer is to give Xhekaj a correction.
Contract buyout rumors are starting to swirl around him, and a poor performance against Xhekaj could mark the beginning of the end for him.
The clash between Arber Xhekaj and Ryan Reaves is inevitable. The tensions are too high, the words too harsh, and the stakes too high for it not to end in a settling of scores.
Xhekaj warned:
“You’re not going to allow yourself to hurt my teammates again, because next time, I’ll be there to make sure that never happens!” »
The message is clear, and Ryan Reaves knows he will have to answer for his actions.
On October 9, all eyes will be on these two men. Who will emerge victorious from this confrontation? One thing is certain: the loser of this duel will become a laughing stock.
Arber Xhekaj is willing to do anything to send a clear message to Reaves and the entire league: He’s not afraid of anyone.
We feel that he is going to correct it.
