As the Montreal Canadiens wrap up their intense training camp, one burning question has dominated conversations among fans and analysts: Who will claim the final coveted spot on the defensive lineup?

The competition has been fierce, with two young, hard-hitting defensemen—each bringing a unique blend of skill and grit—vying for the attention of the coaching staff.

Every practice, every drill, and every scrimmage has added new layers of intrigue to this battle, leaving supporters eagerly awaiting a decision that could shape the team’s defensive identity for the season.

Today’s practice offered a tantalizing glimpse into the coaching staff’s thinking, but not everything is as straightforward as it seems.

Surprising pairings and unexpected shifts have fueled speculation, raising more questions than answers about the future roles of these promising players.

Has one contender finally pulled ahead, or is the race still too close to call? What factors are tipping the scales in this high-stakes decision, and could a single move redefine the blue line for months to come?

With the regular season just days away, the stakes have never been higher. Dive deeper to uncover the latest developments, the reasoning behind the choices, and what it all means for the Canadiens’ defensive game plan.

Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj

Photo credit: NHL

The battle for the last defensive spot had been a big topic of discussion since the start of the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp.

Between Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, two young solid and very physical defensemen, many observers wondered who would stand out to begin the regular season.

Now, the defensive pairings used in today’s practice give a clear clue about the outcome of this competition.

We saw the following pairs:

Mike Matheson- Noah Dobson,
Kaiden Guhle- Lane Hutson,
Arber Xhekaj-Alex Carrier,
Struble-Adam Engstrom

Arber Xhekaj moves ahead of Jayden Struble in the Canadiens’ defensive hierarchy

This choice by Martin St-Louis therefore means that Xhekaj finds himself in pole position for the role of sixth defenseman, leaving Struble on the sidelines.

The surprise is considerable, since Struble has been one of the most consistent players since the beginning of preparations.

His mobility and quick puck movement had caught the attention of many analysts, but it seems that in the end, the toughness and experience of Arber Xhekaj weigh more heavily in the balance.

Another interesting point: Lane Hutson was once again paired with Kaiden Guhle. This duo, which we saw a lot last year, combines Hutson’s offensive flair with Guhle’s defensive reliability. I think this pair could become an important pillar for many years to come.

In my opinion, I believe that even if Struble finds himself behind for now, he will quickly get the chance to prove himself during the season, since injuries and adjustments are inevitable.

The message sent today, however, is clear: on the eve of the season, it’s Arber Xhekaj who seems to have earned the trust of the coaching staff.