BROSSARD – Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms on a one-year contract (2026-27) valued at $1.5 million with defenseman Arber Xhekaj.
Xhekaj played 65 regular season games with the Canadiens in 2025-26, producing four points (1G, 3A) and serving 116 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-4 and 240-pound rearguard led the team in hits (148) and penalty minutes, ranking him fifth in the NHL in the latter category.
The Hamilton, ON native also played 13 playoff contests this season, notching a goal and an assist. Xhekaj scored his first career playoff goal on May 16, 2026, in Game 6 of the second round against the Buffalo Sabres.
Undrafted, Xhekaj played 230 NHL games since making his debut in 2022-23 and recorded 33 points (10G, 23A).
