Arber Xhekaj

Arber Xhekaj, a professional ice hockey player, currently plays as a defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. Born on January 30, 2001, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Xhekaj stands 76 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds. He shoots left-handed and wears jersey number 72. Xhekaj entered the NHL as a rookie in 2022, quickly establishing himself as a formidable presence on the ice. In the 2025 pre-season, he played in 3 games, recording 1 goal, 5 shots, and 3 blocked shots with a shooting percentage of 20%. Notably, he also had a plus-minus rating of +3. During the 2025 regular season, Xhekaj appeared in 35 games, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist, accumulating a total of 2 points. His defensive prowess is highlighted by 26 blocked shots and 80 hits. Despite a shooting percentage of 3.8%, his physicality and defensive skills make him a valuable asset to the Canadiens. Xhekaj's average ice time per game is 11:50 minutes, with the majority played at even strength. His penalty record includes 20 penalties totaling 69 minutes, indicating his aggressive playing style. As he continues his career, Xhekaj's contributions to the team are exemplified by his defensive skills and physical presence on the ice, making him a key player for the Montreal Canadiens.