Montreal Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj out for season; Kirby Dach out indefinitely

An incredible rookie season has come to an unfortunate close.

The Montreal Canadiens announced late on Saturday evening that defenseman Arber Xhekaj will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season due to shoulder surgery.

Xhekaj was injured after a fight with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais on Feb. 12, with the Canadiens blueliner not suiting up since. Xhekaj will be operated by the same surgeon who dealt with Cole Caufield’s shoulder injury earlier in February.

The 22-year-old rookie had five goals and 13 points in 51 games with the Canadiens, finishing with a team-leading 101 penalty minutes. Xhekaj became an instant fan favorite for his physical style, always laying it on the line for his team.

Xhekaj was an unlikely NHLer to begin with. He went undrafted after spending time in the GOJHL and, later, with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. Xhekaj was signed by the Canadiens early into 2021-22 and had an impressive season, with the 6-foot-4 helping the Hamilton Bulldogs win the OHL championship. Xhekaj made it to the Canadiens after his first training camp with the team and stayed with the big squad all year long.

The Canadiens also announced that forward Kirby Dach will be out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. Dach was injured against his former team, Chicago, back on Feb. 14, putting a pause on the best season of his career. Dach had 12 goals and 35 points in 54 games while giving the team a big spark offensively.

Forward Joel Armia will also be out day-to-day with an upper respiratory infection, while defenseman Joel Edmundson will join the team in California after missing the past 10 games with a back injury.