Arber Xhekaj Responds After Michael Pezzetta Joins the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
Montreal Canadiens enforcer Arber Xhekaj was asked if he had any rivals heading into next season, and mentioned new Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta as one as their historic rivalry heats up.
The history between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs extends over a century, as both teams are part of the original contingent in the NHL with games each year being must-watch television.
Things are not going to slow down anytime soon, and with both teams looking to make a statement in the Atlantic Division, it's going to make each game this season a lot more intense, though things are potentially heating up for next season already.
Former Teammates Turn Foes as Leafs-Habs Rivalry Intensifies
In a Q&A segment for the Alex Newhook and Friends Golf Classic Fan Fest, TSN Reporter David Amber asked a series of questions to a panel of current and former Canadiens players.
When he asked enforcer Arber Xhekaj if he had any particular faces he was going to get involved with next season, and mentioned someone close to him; literally.
When asked, Xhekaj took a glance towards former Canadiens forward Michael Pezzetta and had one simple statement:
I might have a new one for next year.
Obviously this was said in good fun, as it would be pretty incredulous to think Xhekaj harbours any ill will towards his former teammate, but knows how important the rivalry means to both teams.
Perhaps this is a sign that Xhekaj may be less hesitant to drop the gloves against the Leafs, as he was invited to scrap by Ryan Reaves last season but refused for unknown reasons.
Maple Leafs And Habs Rivalry Adds Physical Flair
Often criticized for his style of play, Xhekaj is expected to be a big part of Montreal's bottom half and provide a ton of energy and physicality for head coach Martin St. Louis.
The Maple Leafs brought Pezzetta aboard as their first signing this free agency, and the bottom-six forward seems excited to not only get things going, but show the Leafs faithful why Brad Treliving brought him aboard; and he's doing a pretty good job so far.
He might not end up being an everyday player, much like Xhekaj, though if he can add a bit more offensive flair to his game, he'll play over someone like Calle Jarnkrok no doubt, and expect him to be against his former club to kick off the year.
So while we might not see something blow up on October 8th when the season opens up, it's just going to be yet another chapter in professional hockey's greatest rivalry.
But it just got a bit more exciting.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 31 | 1301 ANSWERS Arber Xhekaj Responds After Michael Pezzetta Joins the Maple Leafs Will Arber Xhekaj and Michael Pezzetta drop the gloves next year? | ||
| Yes | 966 | 74.3 % |
| No | 335 | 25.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
