Arber Xhekaj remains unsigned as Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens wait for clarity on the defenceman's next contract.
Montreal included Xhekaj in an official offseason update promoting Alex Newhook's charity golf tournament in St. John's on August 4.
Kaiden Guhle, Jakub Dobes, Jayden Struble and Florian Xhekaj are also expected to attend the event supporting local charities.
The announcement confirms that Xhekaj remains involved with teammates and Canadiens-related activities while his restricted free-agent situation stays unresolved.
It doesn't signal that a contract has been completed. Montreal offered no direct update on negotiations or whether an agreement could arrive before the tournament.
Still, Xhekaj's participation should calm any suggestion that distance has developed between the player and the organization during the offseason.
-
The Canadiens break their silence on Arber Xhekaj's contract situation
Xhekaj also participated in the Chris Nilan Golf Classic on July 13, joining several familiar Canadiens faces for an event supporting mitochondrial disease research.
Those appearances keep the defenceman connected to the locker room away from the rink. They also show his willingness to support community initiatives while waiting on his next deal.
For Kent Hughes, the contract decision must balance Xhekaj's physical presence with Montreal's crowded blue line and wider roster plans.
St-Louis knows exactly what Xhekaj brings. He can protect the crease, stand up for teammates and change the tone when opponents begin taking liberties.
But the defenceman still needs a defined role. Montreal must decide whether he fits as a regular part of the third pair or remains vulnerable to lineup competition.
Trade speculation has followed Xhekaj, including outside interest linked to Philadelphia. No confirmed deal is close, and his public involvement with Canadiens teammates shouldn't be read as proof of either outcome.
The cleanest result is a contract before training camp. That would let Xhekaj focus on earning minutes rather than carrying negotiation questions into every practice.
For now, Montreal's official update offers one clear sign: Arber Xhekaj remains present, engaged and connected to the Canadiens while both sides work through the unfinished business.
Should the Canadiens sign Arber Xhekaj before August 4?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
The Senators have rejected the Flyers' asking price in blockbuster trade discussions
