Canadiens D Arber Xhekaj to have season-ending surgery

Field Level Media|published: Tue 9th April, 10:58 2024

Apr 4, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) plays the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Bell Centre. credits: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shoulder, the team announced Tuesday.

Per the Canadiens, Xhekaj will have surgery on Wednesday and is expected to be ready for the start of next season.

Xhekaj, 23, recorded 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and a plus-6 rating in 44 games this season. He also had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-3 rating in 17 games with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League.

Xhekaj has totaled 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) and a minus-3 rating in 95 career games with Montreal.

The Canadiens (29-36-12, 70 points) have been eliminated from postseason contention and have five games remaining on their schedule. They host the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.

—Field Level Media