The Bell Centre lights hadn’t even dimmed for puck drop when the news hit—Jayden Struble, the Canadiens’ steady defenseman, was out with a sudden upper-body injury. What had started as a routine lineup shuffle instantly became a night of high drama, and all eyes swung to Arber Xhekaj, thrust back into the spotlight just moments before Montreal’s clash with the Colorado Avalanche. In a heartbeat, the narrative shifted from disappointment to opportunity, and the stakes for Xhekaj couldn’t be higher.

Just minutes earlier, Martin St-Louis had made what looked like a definitive call: Xhekaj, who’s battled inconsistency and criticism all season, was set to watch from the press box while rookie Adam Engstrom took his place on the blue line. But hockey is a game of unpredictability, and the Canadiens’ last-minute announcement flipped the script. Struble’s absence wasn’t just a minor tweak—it was a seismic twist that handed Xhekaj a chance to rewrite his own story in front of thousands of expectant fans.

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Xhekaj, 24, has endured a turbulent campaign, logging just 1 point in 21 games, a −4 differential, and racking up 42 penalty minutes. Critics have questioned his discipline and impact, wondering if the physical defender can truly anchor Montreal’s defense in big moments. Tonight, he’ll get the answer alongside Lane Hutson, one of the Canadiens’ most promising young talents, in a pairing that could define both players’ trajectories for the rest of the season.

Struble’s injury, meanwhile, casts a shadow over an otherwise upbeat stretch for the Habs. The 24-year-old has quietly contributed 4 points and a solid presence in 19 games, helping stabilize a defense that’s been tested by injuries and growing pains. His absence leaves a void—and a challenge for Xhekaj, who must now step into a top-four role and prove he belongs next to the team’s best. The opportunity is massive, but so is the pressure. Every shift will be scrutinized, every decision magnified, and the margin for error razor-thin.

The ripple effect extends through the entire lineup. Adam Engstrom, originally slated for a supporting role, now finds himself thrown into the fire. The defensive pairings have been reshuffled, and the Canadiens’ coaching staff will be watching closely to see who rises to the occasion. For Xhekaj, this is more than just a chance to play—it’s a test of resilience, focus, and the ability to seize the moment when fate intervenes.

As the puck drops and the crowd roars, the spotlight burns brightest on Xhekaj. Will he silence his doubters and deliver a statement performance, or will the pressure prove too much? The answer could shape not only tonight’s game but the narrative around Montreal’s defense for weeks to come. In the chaos of injury and last-minute changes, opportunity often reveals itself in the most unexpected ways.

Nov 22, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) and teammate defenseman Jayden Struble (47) celebrate the win against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

We have an important last-minute injury announcement from the Montreal Canadiens.

Martin St-Louis had initially decided to remove Arber Xhekaj from his lineup this Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche, in favor of young Adam Engstrom.

However, we have had a twist in the last few minutes. Seconds before puck drop, the organization announced that Struble will miss the game with an injury.

Surprise: Jayden Struble is injured, so Arber Xhekaj will play against the Colorado Avalanche

Against all expectations, in the last few minutes, the Canadiens organization has indeed announced an injury for 24-year-old defenseman Jayden Struble.

We will keep you updated with the details, but Struble has an upper-body injury and will (at minimum) miss today’s game.

Arber Xhekaj, 24 years old, has 1 point in 21 games this season, with 42 penalty minutes and a negative differential of −4.

Jayden Struble, 24 years old, has 4 points in 19 games this season, with 32 penalty minutes and a negative differential of −3.

“The Canadiens announce that Jayden Struble will not be playing in tonight’s game.

Adam Engstrom draws in.”

– Marco D’Amico

This gives us the following for the full lineup.

Caufield – Suzuki – Bolduc
Slafkovsky – Kapanen – Demidov
Texier – Evans – Anderson
F. Xhekaj – Veleno – Gallagher

Matheson – Dobson
A. Xhekaj – Hutson
Engstrom – Carrier

Dobes (starter)
Montembeault

As you can see, Xhekaj is slotted into the top four and will play alongside Lane Hutson. That’s a big opportunity for him to prove he can handle a key role next to the team’s top defenseman.

More details to come.