The Montreal Canadiens have recalled defender Arber Xhekaj from the Laval Rocket, the team announced on Monday.
The move was expected when they sent defender Justin Barron to Laval earlier in the day. Xhekaj played 17 games with the Rocket, scoring three goals and adding eight assists. He also played 17 NHL games this season with the Canadiens prior to his injury, scoring one goal and adding two assists.
Xhekaj was able to show improvement in his time in Laval and it is something the Canadiens will likely expect from Barron as they swap the two defenders. Xhekaj will likely be in uniform for the Canadiens when they take on the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
It was Xhekaj’s first stint in the AHL after starting his professional career in the NHL as an undrafted free agent. The 22-year-old Hamilton native has played 68 career NHL games over the last two seasons.
