Arber Xhekaj Finally Signs With Canadiens

Just in time for training camp this week, the Montreal Canadiens have signed their last remaining restricted free agent, agreeing to a one-year deal with defenseman Arber Xhekaj for $1.5 million.

Les Canadiens s'entendent sur les termes d'un contrat d'une saison (2026-2027) avec le défenseur Arber Xhekaj.

The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a one-year contract (2026-27) with defenseman Arber Xhekaj.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/EuUVzKjVKV

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 15, 2026

For the rugged D-man, it's a very slight increase on the $1.3M AAV he had over the previous two seasons. 

The 25-year-old will be an RFA once again upon expiry of the deal, and will have a $1.575M qualifying offer. He'll also be one year away from UFA status at that point.

Last season, Xhekaj sat through 17 healthy scratches and averaged a career-low 11:25 ice time per night in the 65 games he did get into. It was a disappointing year for him, as he'd averaged about 15 minutes a night the previous three seasons. 

He posted just one goal and four points in those 65 games, with 116 penalty minutes and 178 hits. He got into eight of his 28 career fights. None of them matched up with this epic battle:

IT'S THE HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT EVERYONE WAS WAITING FOR: ARBER XHEKAJ VS. MATT REMPE 🥊 pic.twitter.com/aNmWDZlvqw

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 20, 2025