REPORT: Montreal Canadiens make final decision on Arber Xhekaj after Mike Matheson return

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Ryan
November 19, 2022 (8:04 PM)

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This rookie National Hockey League defenceman has taken the hockey world by storm this year as just two years ago he was stocking shelves at COSTCO, and now he is playing in the best hockey league in the world.

Due to injuries, Arber Xhekaj made the Canadiens roster out of camp this year and we are all thankful he did as he has become a fan favourite, and not just Montreal fans, but hockey fans league wide.

The 21 year old has wracked up 2 goals 2 assists and 40 penalty minutes during the 17 games hes played in this year.

Mike Matheson has recently been cleared to play after his injury, and that means someone needs to come out of the lineup.

The other day it was announced that Xhekaj was taking line rushes as the 7th defenceman and people were very upset.

But that appears to have changed.

Tonight the Montreal Canadiens host the Philadelphia Flyers and it appears that Xhakaj and Kovacevic will be in the lineup and Harris and Wideman will be the healthy scratches:

Martin St. Louis confirms Jordan Harris is out for Mike Matheson. Says the decision is based on the type of lineup they want against PHI. For now, St. Louis said, there will be a rotation between Harris, Xhekaj and Kovacevic.� Eric Engels (@EricEngels) November 19, 2022

The Flyers are known as a hard-nosed team, and play a gritty style, especially under new coach John Tortorella. Xhekaj will and his toughness will be valuable in this game tonight.