Fan favourite Arber Xhekaj missed Canadiens golf tournament as contract resolution nears
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One absence stood out Monday at Laval-sur-le-Lac. Arber Xhekaj was the only Montreal Canadiens player missing from the golf tournament.
His lack of a contract obviously explains his decision not to attend, as the defenseman is technically not tied to the organization.
Jeff Gorton was reassuring this morning, though, saying the player would rejoin his teammates shortly.
The president of hockey operations said he was confident a deal would be reached before training camp officially opens Wednesday.
Every other member of the roster was there to launch the new season.
Arber Xhekaj, the only player absent from the Canadiens golf tournament
He also praised the culture established by Martin St-Louis and Canadiens management.
Geoff Molson opened the media availability today, followed by Jeff Gorton, Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis.
Xhekaj had still trained in Brossard throughout the summer despite the contract uncertainty.
His ice time was the real sticking point, more than the financial side of the deal.
The 25-year-old defenseman could therefore be in uniform as early as Wednesday’s first practices.
We’ll continue to follow this closely for you.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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