BROSSARD, Que. — Arber Xhekaj says a simpler approach and less worry about his ice time are helping him settle into a depth role on the Montreal Canadiens’ blue line.

In an interview with Sportsnet’s Eric Engels, the 25-year-old defenceman described a shift in mindset after a frustrating season in which limited minutes and lineup scratches affected his play.

“If I play 10 minutes, I’ve got to play the best 10 minutes, and that’s how I look at it now,” Xhekaj told Sportsnet. “Every shift, I’ve gotta try to get something out of it, and I think it’s helping the team this year.”

His workload remains modest. According to Sportsnet, Xhekaj has played fewer than 12 minutes in seven games this season, with his highest ice time reaching 14:26. But coach Martin St. Louis has praised the quality and consistency of those minutes.

“I don’t think he’s trying to do too much,” St. Louis said. “He’s not running around. He gets his hits when they’re there, but he’s not just looking for that.”

Xhekaj said reviewing video over the summer helped improve his stick positioning. He also credited clearer defensive assignments with making his job easier, allowing him to concentrate on simple puck movement rather than trying to force a bigger contribution.

The adjustment follows a difficult previous season. Xhekaj played fewer than 12 minutes in 42 of his 65 appearances and was scratched from 17 games, Sportsnet reported. He acknowledged that the uncertainty affected his emotions and left him feeling he needed to do more with less opportunity.

This season, he is also getting regular penalty-killing work. While fighting remains part of his role, Xhekaj said he has found a better balance between being ready to defend teammates and focusing on the game itself.

For a Canadiens team that Sportsnet reported had reached an 11-3-3 record, his priority is contributing consistently — regardless of how many minutes he receives.

Sources