The Montreal Canadiens’ training camp hasn’t even officially started yet and Arber Xhekaj already seems to have put an end to the competition for a defensive position, notably for Jayden Struble.
All traditional observers are unanimous: Xhekaj, with his guaranteed contract of $1.3 million per year for two seasons, is assured of starting the season with the big club.
Struble, for his part, is in a difficult position. His eligibility to be sent to the American League without going through waivers makes him an ideal candidate to be demoted, even if he has some qualities that could keep him in the running.
There’s often talk of a “fight” for the blue line in Montreal, but if Xhekaj, with 56 NHL games last year, is indeed assured of a spot, then the picture of the Canadiens’ top 6 defense becomes increasingly clear.
Struble, with his more defensive profile, is often seen as the natural successor to a Jordan Harris or even a Johnathan Kovacevic, two players whose positions have never been fully secured.
Still, Struble could find himself in the shadow of more offensive-minded young defensemen like Lane Hutson, who is already the center of attention and is virtually guaranteed to start the year on the second pairing with David Savard.
When recalled last fall, Struble impressed with solid performances, but a poor season led to reduced playing time, and he’s now at risk of starting the season in Laval.
His flexibility to be sent to the AHL off waivers puts him in a vulnerable position. And with Lane Hutson almost certain to be in the lineup at the end of camp, Struble may have to give up his spot, given that Xhekaj seems secure in his position.
Mailloux is experiencing the same thing as Struble on the right…against Barron. The fact that he can go to the American League without going through waivers makes Barron the winner in advance.
While Mike Matheson, David Savard and Kaiden Guhle already seem assured of their spots in the starting lineup in October, the situation for Struble is getting more complicated.
Despite his undeniable defensive qualities, the competition within the group is fierce, and with Xhekaj in a strong position, Struble could be relegated to a supporting role, or even a prolonged stint in Laval.
It’s clear that Arber Xhekaj, with his toughness, experience and contract, not to mention his popularity among fans, has taken a step ahead of other young defenders like Struble.
And while some youngsters are still fighting to make their mark, Struble’s situation perfectly illustrates the challenges these prospects face in a roster that’s already nearly locked in for the upcoming season.
Here is the practically guaranteed defensive top 6:
Matheson-Guhle
Hutson-Savard
Xhekaj-Barron
As the CH risks starting the year with 8 defenders, Struble, Mailloux, Reinbacher and Engstrom will fight for the two reserve positions at the start of the year.
Unless William Trudeau is a candidate to warm up the benches in the stands.
To be continued…
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