Arber Xhekaj reportedly declined a deal to join another NHL team
During a recent podcast appearance, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj revealed that he was very close to signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Arber Xhekaj's journey to the NHL has become a well-known story. After going undrafted, he was working in a grocery store when he finally got signed as an undrafted free agent during NHL free agency. Since then, Xhekaj has risen quickly, becoming a key player in the young Montreal Canadiens lineup, known for his physicality and swagger. However, it turns out he nearly ended up in Toronto instead.
On a new episode of the Spittin Chiclets podcast, hosts Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette spoke with Xhekaj, who confirmed that during his time as an undrafted free agent, he received a contract offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Instead of signing immediately, Xhekaj waited for other offers and eventually chose to sign with his preferred team, the Montreal Canadiens.
Last season, Xhekaj focused on developing his all-around game. In the NHL, he played his usual physical, defense-first style, recording 10 points and 81 penalty minutes in 44 games. In the AHL, he showed glimpses of his offensive potential, with 11 points and 34 penalty minutes in 17 games.
If the Canadiens can help Xhekaj translate his offense to the NHL level while maintaining his physical edge, he could prove to be a steal as an undrafted player. Meanwhile, Leafs fans might be left wondering what could have been if Xhekaj had signed in Toronto.
Credit: Yard BarkerArber Xhekaj: The Montreal Canadiens defenseman who almost became a Toronto Maple Leaf
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25 AOUT | 53 ANSWERS Arber Xhekaj reportedly declined a deal to join another NHL team Do you think Arber Xhekaj made a mistake rejecting the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 34 % |
| No | 35 | 66 % |
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