The lights of the Bell Centre hadn’t even cooled from Saturday’s victory when a single, unexpected announcement sent shockwaves through the Montreal hockey world. In a season where every shift, every decision, and every line change is scrutinized by thousands of passionate fans, the news that Arber Xhekaj would be scratched—just hours after a convincing win—landed like a thunderclap. Suddenly, the familiar comfort of a winning lineup was shattered, and whispers of change began to ripple through the city’s sports bars, radio waves, and online forums.

There was no dramatic press conference, no cryptic social media post—just a simple, direct message: Adam Engstrom was in, Arber Xhekaj was out. For many, it felt like the kind of move that only happens in the shadows of a losing streak, not in the afterglow of victory. Was this a punishment, a warning, or the start of something bigger? The questions came fast, and the answers seemed elusive.

Enter Eric Engels, one of Montreal’s most trusted hockey voices, whose own reaction added fuel to the fire: “I’m a little surprised, but not totally. Just didn’t think any changes were coming to a winning lineup. In any case, internal competition heating up, and the Canadiens will need to start regularly using reserves over this mad dash to the holidays.” With those words, Engels didn’t just explain the move—he hinted at a deeper strategy, one that could upend the team’s defensive hierarchy and set the stage for a battle that might last all season.

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. The Canadiens are facing a relentless schedule before the holidays, with games packed so tightly that rest and rotation are no longer luxuries—they’re necessities. In this context, Xhekaj’s scratch begins to make sense, but it also raises uncomfortable questions. Is this the start of a new era, where young guns like Engstrom are given every chance to prove themselves? Or is it a warning shot to veterans who might be growing too comfortable in their roles?

The answer, it seems, is both. As Engels points out, “internal competition is heating up.” The message to Xhekaj—and to every player on the roster—is clear: give more, or risk watching from the press box. For fans, it’s a reminder that hockey is as much about opportunity as it is about legacy. For the team, it’s a chance to see what fresh talent can offer, especially when the stakes are high and every game could tilt the season’s momentum.

But beneath the surface, there’s another layer to this story. What does this rotation mean for the chemistry of the Canadiens’ defense? Will Xhekaj respond with the fire and grit that made him a fan favorite, or will Engstrom seize his moment and force a permanent change? And as the holiday schedule intensifies, will Martin St-Louis’s bold strategy pay off—or backfire spectacularly?

One thing is certain: the hierarchy in Montreal can shift in an instant, and the next surprise might be just around the corner. As the team moves forward, leaving nothing to chance, fans are left to wonder—who will step up, and who will be left behind? Read on to discover the full story behind this shocking lineup change and what it means for the Canadiens’ future.

Photo Eric Engels and Arber Xhekaj

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

Arber Xhekaj’s sudden scratch against the Mammoth surprised many Canadiens fans, and Eric Engels now offers a fresh perspective on Martin St-Louis’s strategy.

The announcement was simple and direct:Adam Engstrom enters the lineup and Arber Xhekaj comes out.

For many, this news came as a surprise, especially after a convincing win Saturday night and a stability that seemed ready to settle in.

Eric Engels even mentioned it in his message, explaining that he was “a little surprised, but not completely.”

“I’m a little surprised, but not totally.

Just didn’t think any changes were coming to a winning lineup.
In any case, internal competition heating up, and the Canadiens will need to start regularly using reserves over this mad dash to the holidays.”

– Eric Engels

A rotation involving Engstrom, Xhekaj, and the Canadiens’ depth

In such a dense schedule before the holidays, Montreal will have to use its reserves much more often. It’s in that context that Arber Xhekaj’s removal makes more sense, even if it sparks debate among fans.

The defenseman had shown good things lately, but the team clearly wants to take a closer look at what Engstrom can offer. For many, this news confirms a small discomfort that was already being widely discussed.

When Engels says that the team will “use its reserves regularly,” it may suggest that Xhekaj could be watching more games from the press box.

Many believe this is a clear message for him: show that you can give more, otherwise someone will take your spot. Since the Canadiens play a lot before the holidays, Martin St-Louis really has to keep everyone fresh. It’s also the perfect opportunity to see what Engstrom can offer!

In my view, the hierarchy can change quickly when a young player pushes hard, and Engels even hints that more surprises could be coming.

I believe it simply shows that the team wants to move forward and leave nothing to chance.