Montreal Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj Almost Joined the Toronto Maple Leafs

Arber Xhekaj’s journey to the NHL has become a remarkable story over the past year, making him a key figure in the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup. The young defenseman, known for his physicality and unique style, was once overlooked in the NHL Draft. Instead of giving up on his dream, Xhekaj worked at a grocery store while waiting for his chance. That opportunity finally came when the Canadiens signed him as an undrafted free agent. Since then, he has secured his place on the team, bringing a tough, no-nonsense attitude to the Canadiens’ defense.

However, it was recently revealed that Xhekaj’s path to the NHL could have been very different. During an episode of the *Spittin’ Chiclets* podcast, Xhekaj shared that he was close to signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs before joining Montreal. As an undrafted free agent, he had received an offer from Toronto but chose to wait for other opportunities. His patience paid off when his preferred team, the Canadiens, extended an offer, which he ultimately accepted.

Last season, Xhekaj focused on refining his game. In the NHL, he stuck to his physical, defense-first approach, racking up 10 points and 81 penalty minutes in 44 games. His time in the AHL showcased his potential offensive contributions, where he managed 11 points in just 17 games, along with 34 penalty minutes. His ability to blend physicality with offensive playmaking suggests he could become a valuable asset for Montreal in the coming seasons.

If Xhekaj can translate his offensive skills to the NHL level while maintaining his rugged defensive style, he may prove to be one of the Canadiens’ greatest steals as an undrafted player. This possibility leaves Toronto Maple Leafs fans wondering what might have been if Xhekaj had chosen to sign with their team instead.

As Xhekaj continues to develop, the Canadiens are optimistic about what he can bring to their lineup. His decision to wait for the right offer has shaped the course of his career, and Montreal may ultimately benefit from a player who combines toughness with emerging offensive potential.