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On the ice, Arber Xhekaj is a tough guy, ever since his arrival, the Canadiens’ players have felt and played bigger. The 22-year-old blueliner never hesitates to stick up for a teammate and he has no problem dropping the gloves against experienced NHL enforcers.

Off the ice though, Xhekaj is nothing like his on-ice persona. During his first season in Montreal, he’s established himself as a fan favorite and not only because of what he does on the ice, but also because of his interactions with the fans. The Hamilton native often stops to sign autographs for fans outside of the team’s training facility in Brossard and when he does, he’s all smiles and happy to chat with the public. Players who even accept to make annotations when they sign free autographs are a rare breed, but Xhekaj is one of them.

Yesterday, the Xhekaj brothers took part in a signing session their hometown which had been organized by the Angel Project Canada, a foundation for which one of Arber’s former teachers is involved. On top of signing autographs for fans to raise funds for the Angel Project, the older Xhekaj also signed and dedicated a stick to his former teacher, making her day.

Had an amazing afternoon at the End Zone with the Xhekaj family. Thank you @SimonaXhekaj for organizing this for The Angel Project Canada. I absolutely LOVE my hockey stick. Thank you @ArberXhekaj_ . 💕 pic.twitter.com/efbnPFW4h6

— Just One Wish Kindness Program (@Just_1_Wish) July 29, 2023

When the Canadiens drafted Florian, their decision was not only based on his hockey skills, but also on what they’ve seen of the person that is Arber Xhekaj. The organization values character and clearly, the Habs feel like the Xhekaj has got plenty of it, on and off the ice.

The best reward for being a teacher!
Teachers always make an impact on the lives of every student they come in contact with. Most of the time you never get to know. When you do, it fills your heart with love. Thank you @ArberXhekaj_ pic.twitter.com/bENzK3kSgJ

— Just One Wish Kindness Program (@Just_1_Wish) July 30, 2023

This morning, the Canadiens announced that Jesse Ylonen had been signed to a one-year, two-way deal. The Scottsdale Arizona native finished his entry-level deal last season and played 37 games with the Habs, thanks to the many injuries that plagued the team. Over the course of those 37 games, the winger gathered 6 goals and 10 assists for 16 points. In the AHL, he got 32 points in 39 games with the Rocket. If the Canadiens do stay healthy this season, it would be very surprising to see Ylonen get that much action again with so many forwards signed to NHL contracts.

The Canadiens agree to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Jesse Ylönen.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/hQAlRaTuTk

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 31, 2023

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