Jordan Harris will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Xhekaj to re-enter the lineup. Xhekaj was a healthy scratch in the Canadiens last game before the All-Star break but was in the lineup for two straight before then, recording six penalty minutes, two shots, and four hits.
Xhekaj played 17 games with the Canadiens earlier this season but has been with the Laval Rocket (AHL) since November. Xhekaj has three points (1G / 2A) and should continue to build on the 2.41 hits per game he is averaging thus far.
Xhekaj spent just over two months with Laval (AHL) but has earned his call up back to Montreal after scoring three goals, 11 points, 34 PIMs and a +3 plus/minus in 17 games with the Rocket this season. The 22-year-old tough guy returns to the Canadiens, where he appeared in 17 games prior to being sent down and had a goal and two assists to go along with 47 PIMs.
Xhekaj has not played since November 16th and has been loaned to Laval (AHL) where he will get some game-action and conditioning before presumably returning to Montreal. In 17 games this season, Xhekaj has three points (1G / 2A), 47 penalty minutes, and 41 hits.
Xhakaj did not play on Saturday and will not travel with the Canadiens on their upcoming California road trip, meaning he will miss at least three more games. Xhakaj has seen his ice time decrease significantly in recent games, averaging only 12:34 time-on-ice in his last six games after averaging 16:29 in his previous 10 games. He has three points (1G / 2A) in 19 games this season.
Xhekaj played only 10:19 before exiting the game with an upper-body injury and is now considered day-to-day after not practicing Friday. He has three points (1G / 2A) in 17 games this season along with 41 hits and 47 penalty minutes. Xhekaj's status will be re-evaluated on Friday.
Xhekaj played only 10:19 before exiting the game with an upper-body injury. He has three points (1G / 2A) in 17 games this season along with 41 hits and 47 penalty minutes. Xhekaj's status will be re-evaluated on Friday.
Xhekaj suffered an undisclosed injury in Sunday's win over the Oilers and will not play Tuesday vs. Chicago. Chris Wideman will replace him on the blueline and likely on the second power-play unit.
Xhekaj missed Montreal's last game as a healthy scratch but will draw back into the lineup Thursday vs. Calgary. The rookie has had a strong start to his career, with three goals, three assists, 36 SOG and a league-leading 47 PIMs through 20 games prior to his scratching.
Xhekaj will head to the press box for the second time this season Tuesday as Montreal takes on San Jose. The rookie has had a strong start to his career, with three goals, three assists, 36 SOG and a league-leading 47 PIMs through 20 games prior to his scratching.
Xhakaj was a healthy scratch Tuesday but will be back in Montreal's lineup Wednesday vs. Columbus. Through 18 games he has made a strong impact with two goals and three assists along with a league-leading 45 PIMs while averaging only 15:53 TOI
Xhekaj will head to the press box as a healthy scratch for the first time this season on Tuesday. Through 18 games he has made a strong impact with two goals and three assists along with a league-leading 45 PIMs while averaging only 15:53 TOI.
