Montreal Canadiens send Arber Xhekaj to the Laval Rocket

The Montreal Canadiens have activated defenceman Arber Xhekaj off of injured reserve and loaned him to the Laval Rocket, the team announced on Monday.

Les Canadiens ont retiré le nom d'Arber Xhekaj de la liste des blessés et ont cédé le défenseur au Rocket de Laval.

The Canadiens have activated Arber Xhekaj off IR and loaned him to the Laval Rocket.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 4, 2023

This could be as simple as a veiled conditioning stint. Xhekaj hasn’t played since November 16, and Jayden Struble has seemed very comfortable in his place. This can simply be an opportunity for Xhekaj to return to game shape while giving a longer look to Struble.

Xhekaj skated with the team at their practice on Monday before being activated and sent to Laval. The Rocket had an off day and only return to practice on Tuesday after a weekend trip to Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Xhekaj has not played in the AHL in his career, making the jump straight to the NHL from the OHL. Laval has a busy week with three home games on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The Rocket have lost seven straight games, although some have required overtime.

The second-year defenceman has one goal and two assists in 17 games this season.

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