Episode 86 of the Hockey Free for all podcast 01-27-2024

Episode 86 of the Hockey Free For all Podcast topics include-

#1. Why is it or how is it, that so many people are not getting or understanding the extreme value and rarity of Arber Xhekaj to the Montreal Canadiens. How is it that that only very few can clearly see what a better team Montreal is, when Arber Xhekaj is in the lineup, the clear differences he makes, the way the that the team plays a completely different game when he’s in the lineup, the fact that his fellow players clearly, not only feel safer with him on the roster, but can actually play their game with out fear, concern or retaliation from the opposition.

Not only is Arber Xhekaj clearly the most valuable player on the defense by far, Arber Xhekaj is the MVP of the entire team. Ig I had an expansion team and could draft any player I wanted in the entire league; Arber Xhekaj would be my pick. Arber Xhekaj is the definition of the type of player you win a Stanely Cup with. What is so difficult to understand here. I am at a complete loss to understand this.

#2. Every other team in the would trade a first round pick or more to obtain him.

#3. I would not have traded Arber Xhekaj to pick Conner Bedard in the 2023 draft of to select Macklin Celebrini as the likely number 1 pick overall of the 2024 draft.

#4. If there is anyone, anywhere in the entire world that doesn’t think Conner McDavid is the best and most gifted hockey in the world?

#5. Has Conner McDavid won a Stanley Cup, nope.

#6. I would love someone to Interview Wayne Gretzky to specifically ask him about teammate David Semenko and the value of him as a linemate to him, and that star studded roster that the Edmonton Oilers. Dave Semenko had in the 80’s.

#7. Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson and Paul Coffee would have been targeted relentlessly every night and had their careers drastically shortened like Bobby Orr’s and Mario Lemieux were.

#8. Arber Xhekaj is not Stu Grimson’s, Donald Brashear or Marty McSorley.  Arber Xhekaj is a combination of Dave Semenko, Al IaFrate and Rod Langway. That’s a very rare breed of a player.

#9. The entire NHL Safety Department and 90% of its on-ice officials need to be replaced. There have been far worse offenses in the league that didn’t even receive a slap on the wrist and they hit Brendan Gallagher with not only a 5-minute penalty and a game misconduct which were completely warranted, but add a 5-game suspension, are you kidding me, this clearly shows an internal league and officials negative bias towards Brendan Gallagher.