The seats at the Bell Centre were barely filled when a single decision sent shockwaves through the heart of Montreal’s hockey community: Arber Xhekaj, the Canadiens’ enforcer and emotional spark plug, would spend the night in the stands, scratched from the lineup against Utah. It was the kind of move that doesn’t just ripple through the locker room—it ignites a firestorm of debate about identity, leadership, and the very soul of the team. And as the news broke, one voice rose above the rest: Anthony Martineau, whose blunt reaction captured the confusion and frustration felt by fans and analysts alike.

“Crazy, honestly.” Martineau didn’t mince words, and his surprise was palpable. Just hours earlier, he’d praised Xhekaj’s inspired performance, highlighting the defenseman’s ability to bring grit and intensity when the Canadiens needed it most. Now, the player who had seemed to rediscover his edge was inexplicably sidelined, leaving observers to wonder what message was truly being sent. Was this a calculated strategy by Martin St-Louis, or a misstep that could cost the team its competitive fire?

The debate quickly grew beyond a single lineup change. For Martineau and many others, Xhekaj represents more than just another name on the roster—he’s a symbol of raw energy, unpredictability, and the kind of physical presence that can tilt the balance of a game. To scratch him, especially after a standout showing, felt like stripping the team of an essential weapon during a critical stretch of the schedule. “Arber will never be a player like the others,” Martineau insisted. “If you take away his edge and his drive to go for it—even if it’s a lot at times—you handcuff the player.”

It’s a sentiment echoed in every corner of Montreal’s hockey landscape. The Canadiens, searching for stability and a spark to propel them through a demanding calendar, now face uncomfortable questions about their identity and the direction of their coaching staff. Is the pursuit of discipline and polish coming at the expense of what makes the team truly dangerous? Are the Canadiens risking too much by trying to tame a player whose chaos is his greatest asset?

Martineau’s criticism doesn’t stop at Xhekaj’s absence—it’s a broader reflection on the decisions of Martin St-Louis, whose every move is now scrutinized under the harsh lights of expectation and hope. In a season marked by ups and downs, the handling of Xhekaj could become a defining chapter, influencing not only the player’s confidence but also the team’s ability to harness its unique strengths. “I don’t like the decision to scratch him after his inspired performance on Saturday, where he seemed to have found himself again,” Martineau stated, drawing a line between opportunity and risk.

As the Canadiens lace up for another pivotal game, the debate rages on: Should raw energy and aggression be embraced or reined in? Will St-Louis’s gamble pay off, or will it backfire, leaving the team searching for answers? The story of Arber Xhekaj’s scratch is more than a roster note—it’s a test of philosophy, a challenge to tradition, and a moment that could shape the season’s narrative.

Read on to discover the full impact of this controversial decision, the reasoning behind it, and what it reveals about the Canadiens’ evolving identity. The answers may surprise you—and the consequences could echo far beyond tonight’s game.

Photo of Martin St-Louis and Arber Xhekaj

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

The decision to leave Arber Xhekaj in the stands has triggered a major debate around the Canadiens, and especially around their identity.

Several observers, including Anthony Martineau, believe that by removing his natural aggressiveness, the team is being deprived of an essential element during a critical stretch of the schedule.

Indeed, Martineau did not hide his surprise upon seeing that Xhekaj would be scratched against Utah. I have to admit I was pretty surprised too.

He had even pointed out that very morning how solid the defenseman had been on Saturday, which makes the decision even harder to understand.

A clear message about how Arber Xhekaj is being managed and about expectations for the Canadiens

For him, removing a player who seemed to be finding his rhythm again at that precise moment is not good news.

“Crazy, honestly.

This morning, I mentioned how much I liked the version of Arber Xhekaj we saw on Saturday.

Tonight, he’s being scratched.

Arber will never be a player like the others. If you take away his edge and his drive to go for it – even if it’s a lot at times – you handcuff the player.

I don’t like the decision to scratch him after his inspired performance on Saturday, where he seemed to have found himself again.”

– Anthony Martineau

Let’s be clear: Xhekaj is not a “smooth” player, and that is precisely why he can change a game. By trying too hard to polish him, the Canadiens risk losing what makes him so valuable.

Martineau also points out that every decision from Martin St-Louis is closely watched, and that such a move – at a time when the team is searching for stability and energy – might not have the desired effect.

I personally believe this reflection will matter for the rest of his season and for how the coaching staff chooses to use him.