There are moments in every athlete’s career that seem to hang in the balance, teetering between promise and uncertainty. For Arber Xhekaj, the young Montreal Canadiens defenseman who once struck fear into opponents and inspired confidence in his teammates, that moment might be arriving sooner than anyone expected. On a chilly November night at the Bell Centre, as Xhekaj looked on during warm-ups—his gaze perhaps a little less fierce, his posture a touch more subdued—an unsettling question began to ripple through the crowd and the hockey community at large: Has “The Sheriff” lost his mojo?

It’s a question that’s gaining traction, not just among fans but within the very voices that shape the narrative of Montreal hockey. Maxime Truman, in a recent column, didn’t mince words when he described the situation as the “worst-case scenario” for Xhekaj. The very qualities that made him indispensable—the hits, the fights, the aura of intimidation—now seem to be slipping away, replaced by doubt and a string of disappointing performances. And as the losses pile up, so do the questions about his identity and his future with the team.

There’s more to this story than just numbers on a stat sheet. Hockey, especially in Montreal, is a game of reputation and perception as much as it is of skill. Xhekaj built his career on being bigger, stronger, and tougher than the men who dared to challenge him. But when a respected enforcer like Georges Laraque openly questions his approach—“He’s bigger and stronger than most of the guys he fights, and now he’s doing it all wrong!”—it’s a sign that something fundamental has changed. Suddenly, the intangibles that once made Xhekaj a fixture in the lineup are being scrutinized with a new, harsher lens.

Max Truman’s analysis cuts even deeper, pointing to a recent losing streak in fights, including a stinging defeat to Tanner Jeannot of the Boston Bruins. The reputation Xhekaj earned as a “tough guy” is now at risk, and the psychological edge he gave his teammates—the imaginary inches that made them feel taller and braver—may be fading. If opponents no longer fear him, and if his effectiveness at even strength continues to wane, how long can his spot on the roster be justified?

The pressure is mounting, not just on Xhekaj but on the Canadiens’ coaching staff and front office. With roster decisions looming, the team may soon have to choose between Xhekaj and another promising defenseman, Jayden Struble. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the outcome could reshape the very identity of the Canadiens for seasons to come.

But is this just a temporary slump, or the beginning of a more serious decline? Will Xhekaj rediscover the edge that made him famous, or will Montreal be forced to move on from one of its most polarizing players? The answers remain elusive, and the drama is far from over. To understand what’s really happening behind the scenes—and what it means for the future of the Canadiens—one must look beyond the headlines and into the heart of a player fighting not just for his place in the lineup, but for his very legacy.

What happens next? The city waits, the fans speculate, and Arber Xhekaj prepares for the most important battle of his career.

Nov 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Dallas Stars at Bell Centre.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The worst-case scenario is currently starting to materialize for the young Montreal Canadiens defenseman, Arber Xhekaj.

He is starting to lose his “Mojo,” as Maxime Truman explains in his most recent piece.

It’s the worst thing that could have happened for Xhekaj.

Is Arber Xhekaj starting to lose his identity and his usefulness for the Montreal Canadiens?

Let’s also recall what was mentioned yesterday by Georges Laraque regarding Xhekaj:

“He’s bigger and stronger than most of the guys he fights, and now he’s doing it all wrong!”

– Georges Laraque

Also see an excerpt from Max Truman’s article about Xhekaj, following his stinging loss to Tanner Jeannot of the Boston Bruins.

“The Sheriff built a reputation as a tough guy and a respected figure around the league by winning his fights, often against very good pugilists. He justifies his spot in the lineup with his hits, his punches, and the imaginary inches he supposedly ‘adds’ to his teammates simply by being in the lineup.

With his fists, things have been going terribly for the older Xhekaj brother since the beginning of November. And I’m not convinced that right now his teammates feel a few inches taller when they jump over the boards. Why? Because Xhekaj has just lost his last three fights.”

– DLC

Let’s really hope Xhekaj finds his usefulness and his “edge” again quickly, because if players from other teams stop fearing him and if he doesn’t become more effective at 5-on-5, it becomes difficult to justify his regular presence in the lineup.

Especially with a roster decision looming. Sooner or later, the Canadiens will have to pick between Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj.

And in your view, which one is the most useful in Montreal right now?