While the Montreal Canadiens are preparing for the 2025-26 season, they are in the competition with one of the deepest young defense corps. The blue line is filled with intriguing talent, but a storyline that will quietly simmer through the training camp is the battle for the sixth defender spot between Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj. Both players bring very different styles to the table, and even with signed contracts in their hand, none of them can afford to feel safe, especially with David Reinbacher not too far behind.
A further consideration of the contracts
Struble has recently concluded a new deal with the Canadiens worth just over $ 1.4 million a year. Interesting is that his deal came just above that of Xhekaj, which drew $ 1.3 million annually. At first glance, it seems that stroll is more appreciated by management. However, context is everything.
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When Xhekaj has signed his contractThe NHL salary limit was set at $ 88 million for the 2024-25 season. The new deal from Struble, on the other hand, starts for a year where the cap will be $ 95.5 million. That means that XHEKAJs Deal is good for a higher percentage of the salary limit at the time of signing. This may seem like a small detail, but it offers some clarity: these contracts were both fair and calculated, and neither of the players has a clear financial lead when it comes to projecting where they are in the eyes of management.
In short, the contracts do not create a separation between the two. They will have to earn their role in the old -fashioned way: on the ice.
Last season
Both Struble and Xhekaj had to earn their ice age last season, and the tug of war between the two was clear all year round.
Struble started the season in Laval and waited patiently for his chance. Early in the season he was more an insurance policy than a regular option. But things changed quickly. After being remembered, he slowly worked his way to the line -up and found his rhythm, especially when Kaiden Guhle went down with an injury. Struble was instructed to perform and was sometimes even linked to Lane Hutson. His skates, physical play and calm decision-making made him a surprisingly reliable presence on the backend, which stabilized a line-up that was constantly moving.
Xhekaj meanwhile had a completely different journey. He started the season as a regular and was seen as one of the more intimidating and unique presence on the blue line. His physicality and fearlessness make him an out of today in the NHL of today, a real enforcer who can keep track of the pace. But when Guhle returned, it was Xhekaj who watched themselves from the press box. Struble had quietly done enough to surpass him on the depth card.
The outdoor season of the Canadiens only strengthened the competition. With David Savard retired, a place on the right side of the third coupling was opened. However, Manager Kent Hughes has conducted a major trade by acquiring Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders. Dobson, already a best -mating defender, pushes everyone a lock and again forces players such as Struble and Xhekaj to fight for the same chance.
The Wildcard
Even if both Struble and Xhekaj come in the camp that they are fighting for sixth place, there is a very real chance that none of them will win. Reinbacher can be the one who takes it.
The fifth overall pick of 2023 is carefully provided by the Canadiens. It is calm under pressure, positional sound and is already built as an NHL defender. His ceiling is considerably higher than that of both strubes and Xhekaj, and when he proves in the camp that he is ready, Montreal may have no choice but to make room for him on the NHL grille.
Reinbacher also offers skills that beautifully supplement to some of the more offensive defenders of Montreal. He can play a steadily, defensive reliable game with which players such as Hutson or Mike Matheson can activate more freely. If the coaching staff sees him as a safer option in situations with high leverage, they can choose to completely bypass thestruble-Xhekaj struggle.
In that case, one of struggled or xhekaj can regularly end up like a healthy scratch or even be on the move.
A good problem to have
Although it may seem murderous to let three players fight for one role, this is precisely the type of internal competition that helps teams grow. The Canadiens are no longer a Bottom-Feder. They made the play -offs last season and expect to be competitive again. To do that, they need their depth to push each other.
It is a luxury to have two capable defenders who fight for one job, and a potentially future piece in Reinbacher that she both tries to jump. It keeps everyone honest. Nobody can afford to kiss.
Moreover, having these options gives the Canadiens flexibility. Injuries are inevitable. Change matchups. Sometimes you need xhekaj’s physical lead, and other times Struble’s calmness and mobility will be more useful. Reinbacher will probably start the season in the American Hockey League (AHL). This kind of depth means that Montreal is not fascinated to one option or one style.
There is also the image in the long term to consider. Dobson, Hutson and Guhle are locked up in key roles. Matheson, depending on his contract status next summer, may not be in the area forever. That leaves open places for players such as Reinbacher, Struble and Xhekaj, but they have to earn them.
In the end, this battle is not only about the sixth defender on the opening evening. The point is to make a long -term claim in an organization that quickly becomes very busy on the blue line.
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