Canadiens HC sends a message to Arber Xhekaj after playing D-man for only 6:37 minutes last game

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis talked about a controversial move made in the Habs’ last game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.In the game, blueliner Arber Xhekaj hit the ice for a team low 6:37 during that span, and the Montreal Canadiens defenseman racked up four penalty minutes. The situation has raised some eyebrows, prompting questions about Xkehaj even being in the lineup.That situation led St. Louis to address the matter by stating:“To Jacko's defense, there are some really good defensemen in front of him right now... do we want to give him more [TOI]? Yes we do, I think he deserves more and we're going to try to do that..."Priyanta Emrith @HabsInHighHeelsLINKCanadiens HC sends a message to Arber Xhekaj after playing D-man for only 6:37 minutes last gameTo be fair, the Canadiens have one of the most talented blue lines in the league. That’s why ice time comes at a premium when D-men like Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson, and Noah Dobson are ahead of him.St. Louis concluded his thoughts by stating:"...at the same time, Jacko's gotta keep trying to stack shifts after shifts but we want to give him more."Priyanta Emrith @HabsInHighHeelsLINKCanadiens HC sends a message to Arber Xhekaj after playing D-man for only 6:37 minutes last gameMontreal may look into scratching Xhekaj, though his physical presence as an enforcer is something Montreal may not want to give up.Canadiens could scratch Xhekaj when Guhle returnsThe Canadiens currently have one of their regular defensemen, Kaiden Guhle, on the shelf. The 23-year-old sustained an injury on October 16 against the Nashville Predators and hasn’t played since.Guhle’s injury opened the door to Xhekaj in the Canadiens’ lineup. But when Guhle returns, Xhekaj could be the odd man out. Guhle would return to his spot on the second pair with Lane Hutson. That would push Jayden Struble back down to the third pair with Alexandre Carrier.Although, given the way the Habs played on Saturday night against Vancouver, the team is essentially rolling with five defensemen. That situation could mean that one of the other young blueliners could get a shot.The team currently has Marc Del Gaizo on the roster. St. Louis could give Del Gaizo a look in place of Xhekaj even before Guhle returns to the lineup. The only question remaining would be whether the Habs keep Xhekaj on the roster or send him back down to Laval.With plenty of defensemen competing for playing time, the Habs may find it more beneficial for the 24-year-old Xhekaj to get regular playing time in the AHL.