Montreal Canadiens Sign Arber Xhekaj to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens have finalized their roster by signing defenseman Arber Xhekaj to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Xhekaj, who is 25 years old, has been with the Canadiens since 2021 after going undrafted in his junior career. He joined the team following a strong training camp performance, showcasing his ability as a tough enforcer and a reliable defender.

Despite expectations that he would start his career in the AHL, Xhekaj has played primarily with the Canadiens due to injuries to key players. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 10 goals and 33 points in 230 games, while also accumulating 416 penalty minutes. Although trade discussions surrounded him earlier in the summer, the Canadiens have opted to retain him and fellow restricted free agent Zachary Bolduc, maintaining a roster similar to the one that reached the Eastern Conference Final last season.