Arber Xhekaj: The Montreal Canadiens defenseman who almost became a Toronto Maple Leaf
During a recent podcast clip, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj revealed how he almost signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Over the last year, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj and his story have become iconic. After going undrafted, Arber Xhekaj was working in a grocery store when he was finally signed as an undrafted free agent during NHL free agency.
Since then, Arber Xhekaj has made the meteoric rise to the NHL and is a mainstay in the young Montreal Canadiens lineup. He brings physicality and swagger to the Canadiens young group. However, it has been revealed that Arber Xhekaj and his unique style almost made their way to Toronto instead.
Arber Xhekaj confirms on Spittin Chiclets he was almost a Toronto Maple Leaf
During a new segment on the Spittin Chiclets Podcast, hosts Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette spoke to Arber Xhekaj. During their discussion, he confirmed that during his time as an undrafted free agent, he was offered a contract by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Instead of signing immediately, Arber Xhekaj waited for other offers and eventually got one from his preferred destination the Montreal Canadiens.
Last season, Arber Xhekaj spent much of the year trying to develop his all-around game. In the NHL, he played his typical physical defense-first style amassing 10 points and 81 penalty minutes in 44 games. In the AHL, Arber Xhekaj’s potential offensive upside flashed as he tallied 11 points in 17 games and had 34 penalty minutes.
If the Montreal Canadiens can get Arber Xhekaj to translate his offense to the NHL level while keeping his physical and violent edge, he could be a steal as an undrafted player. If that does happen, Toronto Maple Leafs fans will always be left wondering what if Arber Xhekaj signed in Toronto.
