For most followers of the Montreal Canadiens, the first introduction to Arber Xhekaj came when he appeared on the list of players who would be attending rookie camp last September. All of the initial discussion revolved around how to pronounce his name, but “Jackeye” was used to having to prove himself, having gone unselected through multiple NHL drafts and even Ontario Hockey League drafts several years earlier. He showed enough talent in the rookie tournament to earn an entry-level contract, gaining a spot within an NHL organization days before beginning a final season of Junior hockey, and just a few months before his 21st birthday.
2022 Montreal Canadiens Top 25 Under 25: #21 Arber Xhekaj
