Stanley Cup-winning Montreal Canadiens alumnus criticizes team’s management of Arber Xhekaj. (Image Source: Imagn)

Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Rick Green recently shared his thoughts on the team’s management of Arber Xhekaj, who is now in his third season with the Habs.

Xhekaj has become a key piece of the team’s rebuilding efforts, showcasing his physical play, strong bond with teammates, and emerging leadership qualities in the young roster.

Green noted that the Canadiens seem to be hitting their stride, as reflected in their improved performances lately. During an appearance on the “Sick Podcast,” Green shared his satisfaction with Arber Xhekaj’s progress, highlighting the challenges the young defenseman faced earlier in the season.

“I’m really happy for this kid that, you know, at the start of the year, they were doing a lot of mind games with him, and had nothing but confusion setting in as far as how he was supposed to play the game. So he was challenged to figure out, ‘How am I going to get my best game out there each and every night,’ Green said.

Despite being in and out of the lineup and facing scrutiny, Xhekaj managed to stay focused and adapt his game. Rick Green praised his resilience and determination, stating that Arber Xhekaj has learned how to be a valuable asset to the team.

“He was focused and smart enough to realize that ‘I have to do this in my game. I have to do that, and I can’t do that’. And there’s a young kid that is a quality kid with his heart in the right place that you want in your lineup, and he has really figured out what he needs to do to be a valuable part of the group,” he added.

The Montreal Canadiens alumnus expressed confidence that Xhekaj will continue to excel and contribute to the team moving forward.

Rick Green had a long 15-year NHL career during which he played for the likes of the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders. The 68-year-old former defenseman won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.

Arber Xhekaj takes down Pat Maroon

During a game last week, Habs defenseman Arber Xhekaj dropped the gloves against Blackhawks’ vet Pat Maroon.

The heavyweight tilt set off fireworks as the pugilists traded punches. However, Xhekaj was the one who got the better of Maroon with a flurry of left-hand blows.

Notably, this was the second fight for Xhekaj against Maroon in his career. This season, the 23-year-old has dropped the gloves four times.