Episode 82 of the Hockey Free For All Podcast 12-31-2023

Hello Hockey Fans, here is Episode 82 of the Hockey Free For Podcast topics include-

#1. The very impressive smooth transition to the NHL of the Montreal Canadiens defensive prospect Jayden Struble is not surprising at all.

#2. The only concern about Jayden Struble finishing up at and coming out of Northeastern University was will he be able to stay healthy, as he has sustained several injuries during his time at Northeastern, and he has. Fortunately, his injury and durability history which was a valid concern has not followed him to the AHL or NHL.

#3. Absolutely there is room for both Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble in the starting 6 defensive positions, as well as for Florian Xhekaj are exactly the types of players that Montreal has desperately needed for nearly 5 decades.

#4. The long-term starting 6 defenseman for the next 10 to 15 years should be David Reinbacher with Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloiux with Kadian Guhle and Arber Xhekaj with Jayden Struble hands down.

#5. Before trading Jordan Harris, with his skating, defensive game and awareness, there is a potention Right wing sot on the 4th line for him.

#6. Looks like it’s nothing more than total lip service regarding player safety if you were watching the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens game on Friday when there was no call against Carolina Hurricanes player Stafan Noesen who targeted and hit Montreal Canadiens left Winger Jaruj Slafkovsky in the head.

So much for ethics and integrity, this exactly the reason why Arber Xhakaj should have never been sent to Laval and is exactly why Arber Xhakaj is the MVP of the Montreal Canadiens roster, as well as a cornerstone player on the Montreal Canadiens roster for the next 10 to 15 year’s. Arber Xhekaj is a solid defenseman who was an undrafted walk-on at both the OHL junior level and at the NHL level who plays a solid game, who skates tremendously well with his stature, build and body type, who generates offensive production beyond expectation, who bring a formidable intimidation to his game that clearly cares about his teammates and protects them refreshingly and is team captain material, oh and did I forget who brings a calmness to the ice that keeps the opposition in their place and in check.

#7. Sam Montembeau and Cayden Primeau are the right goalies for the Montreal Canadiens to move forward with and evaluate as the organization continues its rebuild and prospects develop.