Are Canadiens guilty of misusing defenceman Arber Xhekaj? | HI/O Bonus

The Canadiens are having problems defensively in their own zone this season.

Do they need another large, physical Shea Weber-type of defenceman with a bit of a mean streak to clear out the front of the net and put some fear in opposing forwards?

That’s the question answered on this Hockey Inside/Out Show bonus episode as The Gazette’s Stu Cowan is joined by former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champions Chris Nilan and Rick Green.

The panel also wonders if Arber Xhekaj — a large, physical defenceman — has a future with the team since he is often made a healthy scratch by head coach Martin St. Louis.

Would the Canadiens think of trading Xhekaj or would another team — like the Ottawa Senators — maybe give him an offer sheet?

The 24-year-old Xhekaj — who is 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds — can become a restricted free agent next summer.

Look for two more bonus episodes coming up during the next few days and if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel. The Hockey Inside/Out Show is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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